Russell Jones to set up tax unit in North

Russell Jones & Walker is set to launch a new tax and investigations department in its Manchester office as part of its bid to become a national firm.

The firm has poached tax specialist David Hanman from Dibb Lupton Alsop to head the department, and it is looking to recruit six lawyers from other firms to work under him.

Chief executive Mark Feeney says: "We have a good reputation for personal injury and litigation across the country, and in London we are well known for white-collar criminal law and investigations, such as in the Maxwell case.

"Now we feel it is time to set up a tax and investigations department in Manchester. But I would like to stress that it will co-ordinate activity across the country, and David Hanman is our top tax expert."

Hanman says that recent tax laws are generating more work for lawyers.

He says the reason for this is because "tax regulation is becoming more complex, especially as European borders are dissolving."

Clients he is bringing with him include HM Customs and Excise, HM Inland Revenue and corporate clients.