Flint Bishop has launched a strategic recruitment drive across its northern division with the appointment of Deborah Niven as Partner and Head of Intellectual Property, strengthening the firm’s IP, technology, and data capability while reinforcing its support for clients operating in innovation-driven sectors.
Niven, who will be based in the firm’s 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, Niven will lead the strategic development of Flint Bishop’s 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.
Niven’s arrival follows the appointment of Malcolm Simpson as Managing Partner (North) last quarter.
Commenting the firm’s latest partner hire, Simpson 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.”
Niven 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 the firm’s continued investment in specialist expertise, ensuring continuity for clients while further strengthening and expanding Flint Bishop’s intellectual property capability to support its growing commercial client base
Image provided by Flint Bishop
