Georgina Davis promoted to Partner
Congratulations to Georgina Davis who has been promoted to Partner within Finance Dispute Resolution.
Read More
Flint Bishop launches a northern recruitment drive with Deborah Niven joining as Partner & Head of IP, enhancing the firm’s technology, IP, and innovation-focused capabilities.
24 February 2026
News
Flint Bishop has launched a strategic recruitment drive across our northern division with the appointment of Deborah Niven as Partner and Head of Intellectual Property, strengthening our IP, technology, and data capability while reinforcing our support for clients operating in innovation-driven sectors.
Deborah, who will be based in our Sheffield office, joins from national firm gunnercooke LLP and brings more than 25 years’ experience advising clients on the protection, commercialisation, and management of intellectual property and technology assets.
Her client base spans a wide range of sectors and business stages, from PLCs and owner-managed businesses to university enterprise centres and spin-out companies. She also regularly advises technology businesses, software developers, manufacturers, creative and design businesses, as well as entrepreneurs and inventors.
In her new role, Deborah will lead the strategic development of our Intellectual Property team. She will oversee the delivery of IP services across the firm, support colleagues on matters where intellectual property intersects with corporate transactions and disputes and play a central role in shaping the team’s growth and market profile.
Deborah’s arrival follows the appointment of Malcolm Simpson as Managing Partner (North) last quarter.
Commenting on our latest partner hire, Malcolm said:
“Deborah’s appointment represents a significant step in the ongoing development of our commercial services, both in the north and nationally. Intellectual property is increasingly critical for our clients, particularly those in technology, manufacturing, and innovation-led sectors. Deborah brings a rare combination of technical expertise, proven leadership, and a practical, solutions-focused approach. We are confident she will strengthen collaboration across our teams and further enhance Flint Bishop’s position as a trusted advisor to businesses driven by innovation and growth.”
Deborah added:
“I am delighted to be joining Flint Bishop at such an exciting period of growth for the firm. There is a strong alignment in approach and ambition, and I look forward to working across the business to build a practical, client-focused intellectual property offering. Together, we have a real opportunity to support innovation-led businesses and further strengthen the firm’s commercial capabilities.”
Lois Coleshill also joins Flint Bishop’s Intellectual Property team as a Trainee Solicitor, having previously worked alongside Niven at gunnercooke. Together, these appointments reinforce our continued investment in specialist expertise, ensuring continuity for clients while further strengthening and expanding Flint Bishop’s intellectual property capability to support our growing commercial client base.
Contact Us
For information on career opportunities at Flint Bishop, visit our Careers page or contact our Head of Recruitment on 01332 226 481.
News
Congratulations to Georgina Davis who has been promoted to Partner within Finance Dispute Resolution.
Read MoreFive experienced conveyancers join Flint Bishop in Derby, strengthening local expertise and client service across the Midlands.
Read MoreKelly Savage and Catherine Marksman have been promoted to Partner, recognising their leadership, expertise, and contributions to the firm.
Read MoreFlint Bishop retains Investors in People Gold, highlighting commitment to staff development, culture, and continuous improvement.
Read MoreFlint Bishop appoints Nomaan Tahir as Head of Commercial Finance, strengthening FP&A capability and embedding strategic financial insight across the firm.
Read MoreFlint Bishop makes strategic appointment of former Walker Morris Managing Partner to lead its North Division
Read MoreFlint Bishop achieves national recognition in Chambers UK 2026 with record rankings and recognised lawyers.
Read MoreFlint Bishop achieves record results in The Legal 500 UK 2026 with 17 ranked practice areas and 44 recognised individuals.
Read MoreFlint Bishop acquires Lupton Fawcett, expanding northern UK presence and strengthening expertise across key sectors.
Read MoreFlint Bishop announces three newly qualified solicitors, strengthening its Insurance Litigation, Commercial Property, and Corporate & Finance teams.
Read MoreFlint Bishop welcomes Jay Hall as a Title Rectification Associate, enhancing expertise in title rectification and defective security.
Read MoreFlint Bishop strengthens UK presence with Lupton Fawcett acquisition, adding offices in Yorkshire and enhancing its legal expertise and client offering.
Read MoreScroll to next section
Scroll back to the top
On Monday 29 September, Flint Bishop successfully completed the acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett LLP. You have been forwarded to the page most relevant to your visit.
Please feel free to explore our website and learn more about our legal services and professionals, including those who have recently joined us from Lupton Fawcett.