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New family team joins Manchester office of Ward Hadaway

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.”

Ward Hadaway is supporting the business community during the Covid-19 outbreak with a freely available legal frequently asked questions resource, bringing clarity and insight to help navigate unchartered territory. Click here for more information.

Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

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Christine Barker

Partner | Family & Matrimonial, Manchester

+44 (0) 330 137 3226

+44 (0) 783 143 0922

Email Christine Barker

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Liz Bottrill

Partner | Family & Matrimonial

+44 (0) 330 137 3225

+44 (0)784 177 7157

Email Liz Bottrill

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David Burrows

Associate | Family & Matrimonial

+44 (0) 330 137 3211

+44 (0) 773 846 2840

Email David Burrows

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Rachael Longman

Associate | Family & Matrimonial

+44 (0) 330 137 3212

+44 (0) 773 052 1899

Email Rachael Longman

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