National law firm Bevan Brittan LLP has hired two new lawyers to expand its commercial litigation and pensions teams in London and Birmingham.

Senior pensions lawyer Christine Johnston has joined the firm’s City office as an Associate after a spell at the Northampton office of Hewitsons.

Christine, who has also previously worked at Maclay Murray & Spens and Baker & McKenzie, will now lead the specialist pensions team, part of Bevan Brittan’s national employment practice.

She specialises in advising both individual and corporate trustees, public private companies and charities with a particular focus on public sector pensions work.

Meanwhile, Bevan Brittan has also continued its investment in Birmingham with the appointment of commercial litigation specialist Andrew Wood.

Andrew joined the firm last month as a solicitor from Wragge & Co and will work as part of Bevan Brittan’s growing Commercial Litigation team in Birmingham, which is led by Partner Adam Kendall.

A well-regarded litigator, Andrew has previously acted on a series of high-value commercial disputes and international arbitration. In addition, he has considerable experience in professional negligence and product liability work with a particular focus on handling cross-border litigation. During his time at Wragge & Co, Andrew also completed a secondment working with the in-house legal department at BP Plc.

Commenting on the hire, Adam Kendall said: “This is another great appointment for our Birmingham Office. Andrew is joining a firm that is continuing to carve out a strong reputation for its specialist commercial litigation work in the UK.”

The latest hire comes shortly after the appointment of Associate Paul Kirkpatrick, who also joined Bevan Brittan’s Birmingham Commercial Litigation practice from Wragge & Co earlier this year