DAC Beachcroft elects new location head for Newcastle

A real estate partner at global law firm DAC Beachcroft has been elected as the new location head for its Newcastle office.

Nicola Fairbairn, who has more than 20 years of experience with both public and private sector clients, will take over the role from David Weatherburn, and will serve a three-year term effective from 1 April 2023.

The firm’s Newcastle team is currently based at Wellbar Central, but the company has signed a lease to become the first business to move into the new 14-storey Bank House at Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre this spring.

Fairbairn was instrumental in making the deal happen and is currently overseeing the office fit out.

She said: “I am extremely proud and privileged to take over as location head in Newcastle and look forward to making our office an even greater place to work. One of my first tasks will be to move everyone into our new office at Bank House – something I am already working on and very excited to see come to fruition.

“I care deeply about the welfare of our colleagues and their ability and desire to deliver a high-quality service to our clients. In my new role, I intend to lead by example and do everything I can to show the North East what a great firm DACB is.”

David Weatherburn has acted as location head for the past 14 years and played a significant role in the establishment of the Newcastle office in 2008. Under his leadership the office has grown from 30 colleagues across two practice areas to more than 160 colleagues with a national and regional client base.

DACB senior partner Virginia Clegg added: “Nicky has been an important member of our team for several years, demonstrating excellent leadership skills and a keen interest in colleague engagement. She has played a significant role in securing our new office space in Newcastle, which will be space that supports our colleagues and our clients, and this move demonstrates our continued commitment to the North East.

“I would also like to thank David Weatherburn. David was instrumental in the setting up of our Newcastle office and has played a vital role in its success. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”