Property team moves to strengthen

Julia (pictured) has 15 years’ experience advising on a wide range of property issues, having previously worked both within law firms and in-house in local government.

She has particular expertise advising on major developments and residential property schemes, as well as social housing and ancillary property work.

Julia has worked on a range of developments in the North East including the Middlehaven scheme on Teesside, property work for the former regional development agency and advice to some of the region’s leading house builders.

She also played a part in advising on aspects of the Olympic Village in London and on regeneration projects in the North West.

Julia joins Ward Hadaway after working for Mole Valley District Council in Surrey where she was the local authority’s in-house senior solicitor.

Julia said: “I am delighted to be back in the North East and joining Ward Hadaway.

“Having worked in the region for a number of years, I am very familiar with the firm and with members of the property team so I know what a good reputation Ward Hadaway has and I am really looking forward to working with my new colleagues.

“Working for a local authority has helped to give me a valuable additional perspective on property issues. I think it is really useful to be able to understand how councils work from the inside because many development schemes involve input from and negotiations with local authorities so I hope my experience will prove to be valuable for Ward Hadaway and our clients.”

Lesley Fairclough, Partner and Head of Development at Ward Hadaway, said: “It is fantastic to have someone of Julia’s experience and standing to join the team.

“I am sure her combination of private and public sector expertise in the property sphere will prove to be of real benefit to our clients as they look to fulfil their development goals.

“There is a feeling of renewed if cautious optimism in the property sector at the moment so hopefully this bodes well for the rest of 2014.”