In brief: Lace Mawer MP signs up to Halliwells

Stewart Harper, managing partner of Manchester firm Lace Mawer, is joining one of the city's major commercial law firms. The senior litigation partner, pictured on the left, will join Halliwells insurance litigation department as a partner later this year. Halliwells senior partner Roger Lancaster, pictured right, said there was fierce competition for Harper from other practices in Manchester. "I am delighted a lawyer with as high a profile as Stewart has been attracted to the firm," he said. Harper said he was impressed by Halliwells expertise and future expansion plans.