LAW firm DLA Piper has strengthened its Birmingham office with a series of promotions. The move has seen Tim Lake and Ben Gorner step up to become partners.

Manchester based law firm Pannone has undergone a partnership restructure. Vicky McLynn and Amy Chandler have been promoted from Senior Associate to Fixed-Share Members. Caroline Dawson-Gerrard, Steve Simpson, Luigi Salzano, Dan Morton and Chris Styles have been moved from Senior Associates and Managers to Directors. Seven more staff have become Junior Equity Members. Emma Holt is Managing Partner.

Law firm TLT, based in Bristol in the South West of England, has launched an office in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as part of its expansion outside of England. The new practice will be called TLT NI and will be led by newly recruited partner Katharine Kimber. Four locally recruited solicitors and paralegals have also joined the team. David Pester is Managing Partner.

Driver Group has strengthened its range of services with the £3m acquisition of Trett Consulting from Grontmij N.V. Trett, which employs 75 staff, is a dispute resolution and contractual advice consultancy. The acquisition expands Driver Group geographically and provides access to a wider range of markets. Driver Group 2011 turnover £17.36m, 132 employees.