Dentists with new division

23 January 2014
Volume 29 · Issue 10

A commercial law firm has set up a division which focuses on providing legal services to dentists across England and Wales.

The Manchester practice has recruited 46-year-old specialist Jonathan Jacobs to head the division.

The services being offered include advising on the sale and acquisition of NHS and private practices, the incorporation of dental practices and drafting business structures and agreements, such as those covering partnerships, dental associates and expense sharing.

In addition, Freeman Fisher is advising practice owners on employment, property and regulatory matters, and dispute resolution.

Mr Jacobs, who has joined Freeman Fisher from RossLegal, is the co-ordinator of the Greater Manchester Dental Business Advisers, a group of professionals who provide legal, accountancy, banking and practice valuation services to dentists.

He said: “My aim is to offer a comprehensive package to all of the firm’s dental healthcare clients and, in due course, to expand into other healthcare professions.

“We hope to quickly consolidate our position within this market at a time when practitioners are uncertain about changes to the NHS since the demise of Primary Care Trusts in April 2013.

“The importance of a dentist using specialist accountants and lawyers cannot be overstated. The area is full of complex regulations and it is vital that dentists receive bespoke advice.”

Mr Jacobs is the latest addition to the ranks at Freeman Fisher, which is based in Manchester’s Spinningfields business district and has an office in Leeds.

Freeman Fisher was co-founded last year by Alex Megaw, a former managing partner at Davies Arnold Cooper’s Manchester office, and Gary Black, who was previously a partner at Berg Legal then legal director at investment group CorpAcq.

Mr Megaw, who is Freeman Fisher’s managing partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to provide the latest addition to our service offering. His experience in the dental sector is an ideal complement to our other areas of expertise.

“He brings a wealth of experience and we are confident in our plans to grow our healthcare offering.

“Jonathan’s arrival is the first in a series of key appointments for the firm in the early part of 2014 as we look to build on our strong start since formation.”