Law firm Porter Dodson, based across Somerset & Dorset, has appointed David Culshaw to the partnership.

David returned to the South West in 2014 and joined Porter Dodson in 2018. He has extensive experience with business clients across all sectors and particularly with clients in the rural, food and drink, professional services and manufacturing sectors. David’s key focus is working with owner managed businesses, small to medium sized businesses as well as start-up and growth enterprises and their investors and funders.

David’s most recent accomplishments include leading a corporate commercial team which advised private equity investors Ashridge Capital on all legal aspects of a management buyout of a leading horticultural business. David has acted for Ashridge Capital for a number of years. He also recently advised iAM Compliant, a high growth online training business in connection with its equity investment from – Maven Equity Finance.

David said: “I am delighted to join the partnership at Porter Dodson. The firm places emphasis on client relationships, which I believe is a vital element of any transaction, and goes hand in hand with giving excellent legal advice.”

Partner and Head of Corporate Commercial Evelyn Adfield commented: “Since joining the firm, David has made a key contribution to the continued growth of corporate commercial work handled by the team. He builds lasting relationships with clients by understanding each firm’s sector and business needs, meeting and exceeding his clients’ expectations. David is a popular team member and will be an asset to the partnership.”

Managing partner Rob Fox added: “Having demonstrated both his technical expertise and ability to bring high-quality work to the firm, David was an obvious candidate for progression. Having worked through a Career Development Programme, David has shown that he adds considerable value to the team, the office and the wider firm.”