Knights Solicitors LLP has added another senior hire to its expanding Chester-based team following the appointment of William Bankes who joins as corporate partner.

William brings 15 years of corporate law experience to the firm – the majority of which has been gained in London – including Fladgate LLP and Pinsent Masons. After relocating to North Wales in 2011, William joined Gamlins.

Knights is the first UK commercial law firm to raise private equity – receiving investment from Hamilton Bradshaw, the private equity house owned by James Caan.

The firm aims to become a top 100 law firm by 2015 and double the headcount and turnover of the Chester office in the next six months.

William said: “Knights offers me the opportunity to conduct a broad scope of high quality, corporate work and this is part of what attracted me to the firm. It is also clear that this is a business with exciting and ambitious expansion plans where I can contribute to the growing corporate practice.”

Sally Wightman, managing partner for Knights LLP in Chester said: “William’s appointment is significant as it strengthens our offering of quality, city expertise without having to gravitate to Manchester, Liverpool or London.

“As William has been operating in the North Wales and Cheshire region for the last three years, he has established a strong profile and gained great contacts within the business community which he can really maximise in his role here.”

William, who lives in North Wales is also involved with the Cheshire Yeomanry in his own time as an army reservist.

William added: “There is a thriving business scene in North Wales and Cheshire, much more so than people tend to think, and this presents many opportunities for Knights.”

David Beech, CEO, commented: “The appointment of William keeps us on track to double the headcount and turnover of the Chester office. We are looking for partners, associates and paralegals to join the team to supplement an already established practice.

“Knights offers lawyers a refreshing change to the conventional partnership model, where decision making and career progression can be slow and cumbersome. Instead, Knights’ structure allows for clear leadership and decision-making with management supporting the lawyers to progress their careers in a merit based culture.”