Wednesday 28.09.2005

Halliwells Strengthens Core Practice Areas With Range of Partner Appointments

Law firm Halliwells has continued its expansion with a number of partner appointments at its Manchester and Sheffield offices.

The firm's latest partners boost Halliwells' corporate, dispute resolution, real estate and employment teams.

In Manchester, banking and finance litigation partner Andrew Field joins the firm from Cobbetts. Andrew spent over ten years at Cobbetts and acts for a number of well known banks, building societies and asset based lenders. His area of expertise includes complex banking disputes, recoveries work, personal insolvency, professional negligence, fraud and complaints to the Financial Services Ombudsman.

Commenting on his decision to join Halliwells, Andrew said:

"After twelve years at one firm it's a big decision to move on but the resources and commitment Halliwells is investing in my practice area made it a straightforward decision.

"Halliwells is clearly a firm which is moving forward and is well regarded in the market place by financial institutions.

"I'm looking forward to strengthening and developing the profile and client base of the firm in banking and finance litigation and also working closely with other departments who provide additional services to banking clients."

Also in Manchester, Chris Moss joins the firm as a corporate partner after ten years at Eversheds. Chris has extensive experience of mergers and acquisitions, flotations on the full list, AIM and OFEX, international disposal programmes, UK acquisition programmes, takeovers, private company work and management buy ins and buy outs. He also has experience of outsourcing deals and joint ventures.

The firm's real estate team in Manchester has also been strengthened by the appointment of partner Sara Whetnall. Sara was previously a partner at Kent, Jones and Done in Stoke. Prior to that Sara was an associate at DLA. She has particular expertise in development work.

The three new arrivals in Manchester will shortly be joined by commercial litigation partner, Harvey Stringfellow who is joining Halliwells' dispute resolution group from Wacks Caller. Harvey Stringellow's clients cover a broad range of businesses including solicitors, property developers, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturing and IT companies.

In Sheffield, the firm has appointed two new partners. Alastair Read, with 17 years experience of commercial and industrial property law, joins Halliwells from Irwin Mitchell.

Also joining as an employment partner is Diarmuid Deeney.   Previously with Russell and Creswick, Diarmuid specialises in contentious and non-contentious employment law, including tribunal advocacy. A multi-linguist, Diarmuid also has a Diploma in International Human Rights.

Ian Austin, Halliwells' managing partner, says the latest partner appointments are indicative of the firm's ongoing expansion drive.

"We are moving forward with confidence across the firm," said Ian.

"The expansion of the business is based on attracting outstanding people and outstanding clients and we are delighted to be doing both."

The new appointments follow last week's announcement that corporate partner Jonathan Brown has joined Halliwells from DLA Piper. Jonathan Brown is based at the firm's Liverpool office.

Concluded Ian Austin:

"We will be announcing further appointments shortly as we look to strengthen and expand our core practice areas."

The rate of Halliwells expansion is demonstrated by its increasing partner count. Twelve months ago, Halliwells had 80 partners. The firm now has 116.

About Halliwells

Halliwells is one of the UK's leading multi-disciplinary law firms with over 1000 people and offices in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Sheffield



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