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A Newcastle lawyer who set up his own firm in recent years is expanding the operation into London.

Jabad Jaigirdar launched JLF Law in 2020, and last he set up a intended to help students from underrepresented backgrounds in the North East to attend the prestigious University of Cambridge. The £17,500 sum was funded from Mr Jaigirdar's own pocket and sought applications from students from households with an annual income below £62,215. It will provide £3,500 per year towards tuition fees and living costs in Cambridge.

Now the commercial law specialist, who focuses on providing advice around complex and high value deals, has established a London office in addition to the JLF's Newcastle Bank House headquarters, which was set up last year. Mr Jaigirdar says he is personally relocating to the capital to lead the outpost, which is at Cubo’s office space at Ilona Rose House, an 80,000 sqft office space with 10,000 sqft of landscaped terraces in the heart of Soho.

He says the move underscores JLF's ambitions in London. Meanwhile, JLF has invested a six-figure sum in the recruitment of five law graduates - described as early stage talent - who are all on the path to qualify as solicitors.

Mr. Jaigirdar said: "After moving our headquarters to state-of-the-art offices in Newcastle, with an increasing amount of London-based clients using JLF, establishing a presence in the capital was the next logical step in our growth journey. JLF works with a lot of tech companies and their founders, mid-market private equity funds and family offices in London, and so we’re excited to have a permanent presence there."

Marc Brough, CEO at Cubo, added: "We are thrilled that JLF are continuing their growth at Cubo Soho London in addition to the headquarters at Cubo Newcastle Bank House. The firm's impressive track record and commitment to growth align with the values we uphold at Cubo."

Already this year, JLF has advised on the acquisition of Westerhope-based North East Chemicals Limited by Ajeet Chadda and Kanchan Chadda, who say they have turned back to business after almost a decade in the education sector. North East Chemicals was established in 1990 and is a º£½ÇÊÓƵ-wide supplier of speciality products including de-greasers, safe solvents, eco-friendly cleaners and drain cleaners.

In December, JLF advised Amulya Aaradhya Limited on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Leazes Hall Care Home Limited which operates the 2.5 acre Leazes Hall facility in County Durham.

Mr Jaigirdar's bursary is specifically for students wishing to study at Cambridge's Jesus College, which works with schools and colleges in the North East, as well as some London boroughs and Peterborough schools.