TLT boosts UK-wide commercial offering with appointment of senior hires

Leading commercial lawyer Dr Julie Nixon joins TLT as managing associate. As a former life scientist who has completed a PHD in molecular biology and genetics at institutions including Harvard University and the University of Edinburgh, Julie has a particular interest in working with life science start-ups and spin out companies, regularly advising entrepreneurs and other professionals working in this field. Julie has extensive in-house experience spanning from her secondments to Edinburgh Research and Innovation, the Roslin Institute and Historic Environment Scotland.

At TLT, Julie will play a key part in supporting the growth and development of the firm’s commercial services group, with a particular emphasis on building the firm’s portfolio in life sciences, providing strategic legal guidance to organisations in the sector. Having been seconded to various public sector bodies, Julie also has extensive knowledge of working with in-house teams – a skill she will be transferring to TLT to advise some of the firm’s public sector clients. 

Perran Jervis, head of retail and head of commercial at TLT commented: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Julie to our commercial team. Julie has crafted a reputation for being an exceptional commercial lawyer with outstanding client relationships and in-depth knowledge of advising a niche group of organisations. Her background in life sciences and experience working in-house for a number of research institutions will be hugely valuable to TLT in Scotland and across the UK. Julie’s appointment will also help grow our wider national commercial services group portfolio, bolstering the service we provide for clients in this field.”

In addition, to Julie’s appointment, corporate lawyer Nimarta Cheema also joins the team in Edinburgh as senior associate experienced in M&A transactions and advising owner-managed and large companies on company law and transactions. A Law Society of Scotland certified specialist in data protection, Nimarta also brings specific experience working with tech businesses and early stage and fast growth companies. 

Nimarta’s recent experience has included working on significant employee ownership transactions such as the Guitar Guitar retail chain, and Carlton Bingo, now one of Scotland’s largest employee owned businesses.

Andrew Webber, head of corporate at TLT said: “Nimarta’s recruitment is part of our ongoing strategy to continue growing the national team along our service lines and sectors across our existing and new locations. Nimarta will be the first corporate team member in our Edinburgh office continuing our growth, which partner Damien Bechelli leads in Scotland. Nimarta’s ability to deliver exceptional results for clients will further enhance the quality of work we deliver both in Scotland and on a national platform – we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”