Maidstone regional law firm Brachers has appointed two new lawyers.

Allis Beasley joins the dispute resolution team as partner. She spent 15 years at City firm Lovells before becoming a partner at Stevens and Bolton in Guildford. She also acts as a deputy adjudicator to the Land Registry.

Nick Smith comes from the City to the commercial property team.

Managing partner John Sheath said: "The legal sector is due for a shake-up this year - a change that will see ownership of legal service providers, currently restricted to lawyers, opened up to insurance companies, banks and supermarkets.

"We see this as an opportunity to differentiate ourselves and the recruitment of Nick and Allis is part of a strategy of growth."