Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway has expanded its team in Manchester with the appointment of four new lawyers, specialising in family matters.
The moves see partners Christine Barker and Liz Bottrill, associate David Burrows and solicitor Rachael Longman join Ward Hadaway as an integrated team from Laytons LLP. They will be incorporating solicitor Jodi Tuson, who has been at Ward Hadaway for a number of years, into the new team.
The foursome brings over 75 years of combined experience with them, focussing on family matters involving children, pre, mid and post-nuptial agreements and divorce. They also have a particular specialism in issues concerning surrogacy and fertility. The appointments, planned long before the coronavirus outbreak, bolster Ward Hadaway’s growing full-service legal team in Manchester.
Ward Hadaway partner Paul Johnson, said; “We are delighted to welcome Christine, Liz, David and Rachael to the team. They join us in very unusual circumstances, but as a firm we are fully set up to deliver a full service to our clients remotely, and so they have still been able to hit the ground running.
“The appointments are an integral part of our strategic growth plans for the Manchester office. Whilst coronavirus has undoubtedly changed the landscape for all businesses, including ours, we are looking to the future with positivity and that includes our commitment to the new team.
“Despite the rapid pace of change we are all tackling, we know from our clients and contacts that their worlds do keep turning, and there is still a need for legal advice on many fronts. The family team will help us ensure we are prepared to serve our clients not only now, but in the future, so we are in a strong position to drive the business forward once the immediate crisis is over.”
Christine continues; “It’s great to be part of a large and professional integrated firm with such a breadth of expertise. The four of us have worked together for many years and bring a wealth of experience. We have a reputation for handling often difficult family situations with sensitivity and care, especially where children are concerned and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver that service at Ward Hadaway.”
Liz adds; “We were attracted to Ward Hadaway as it’s a dynamic firm with clear plans for growth. With our regional reputation in family law and a strong network in Manchester, Cheshire and the wider North West, we further strengthen the reach and reputation of the team, as together we build for the future and achieve the huge potential that’s there. This will initially have to happen remotely, but we are looking forward to working alongside our new colleagues in person when the time comes.”
