Hill Dicks raids Halliwells for property push

Hill Dickinson has hired property lawyer Alistair Johnson from rival firm Halliwells to strengthen its commercial property practice.

Johnson, who specialises in property finance as well as commercial and residential development, joins Hill Dickinson’s Liverpool office as a partner after three years at Halliwells, where he was an associate.

Johnson told The Lawyer: “My move is client-driven. My aim is to successfully manage the Ethel Austin Property Group, which I have known for a long time. I am also hoping that some of my major clients at Halliwells, including Bank of Ireland, will follow me to Hill Dickinson.”

Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson recently merged with London shipping boutique Hill Taylor Dickinson, which added another 20 partners to the North West firm. Johnson will be the firm's 142nd partner.

Halliwells declined to comment.