One of the North East’s best-known and most highly regarded lawyers has joined law firm Sintons, after more than 42 years with his previous firm.
Barry Speker OBE DL is moving to the Newcastle law firm as a consultant focused on areas including healthcare. He was Senior Partner of Samuel Phillips for more than 25 years.
Barry has an outstanding reputation across the North East and beyond for his work in healthcare, employment and family law. He has acted for major healthcare clients for many years, and remains Trust Solicitor to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in complex high-profile medico-legal issues including those relating to Inquests, ethics and capacity, consent and lawfulness of treatment.
Barry, a former President of Newcastle Law Society, is also an Employment Judge sitting in tribunals in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and London.
His expertise will bring additional capability and breadth to Sintons’ healthcare team, which has a national reputation for its work. The fourteen strong team, led by partner Hilary Parker and comprising six partners and eight solicitors, works with GPs, dentists, consultants, pharmacies, care operators and NHS Trusts in the region and beyond.
Alongside his legal reputation, Barry is equally well known for his work outside of the profession, and sits on the boards of numerous charities, community groups and business forums across the region. He is a Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear and was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to business and the community in Newcastle.
Barry is also very well known for his work with the Chinese community in the North East, and chairs the Chinese Futures Group.
He said: “After many years with Samuel Phillips, I decided the time was right to leave. Sintons is a firm regarded very highly both for the quality of its legal advice and its exceptional client care.
“My move to Sintons may surprise some people, but it is one I am very pleased to have made. I look forward to contributing to the further development of Sintons’ ambitious healthcare practice.“
Alan Dawson, Chairman of Sintons, said: “Barry is rightly regarded as one of the most capable and best-known lawyers in the North East and far beyond. We are delighted to welcome him to Sintons, as we continue to develop as one of the leading law firms in the region.“