Weightmans in hiring spree for practice areas drive

Eight other lawyers have switched to Weightmans as the firm pushes key practice areas.

Davies spent 10 years at DLA and moves from the Liverpool office, situated above Weightmans in the same building. He said: "Weightmans' approach to business and client support were major factors in attracting me." Searle has represented a number of high street retailers, including Kwik Save and Somerfield.

Other new names are former Mersey Docks & Harbour Company in-houser Janet Fallon, who joins marine litigation, and Addleshaw Booth & Co property lawyer Heidi Batho, whose clients include the Northwest Development Agency and Standard Life Investments. The commercial team has recruited two employment specialists - Rachel Martin from Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar and Sarah Armstrong from a niche employment firm. Antonia Ford and Helen Littlewood, from Clement Jones and Tinsels respectively, have moved to the professional indemnity team. The defunct Chapman Everatt has supplied the litigation team with Sarah Tedstone, while Wasif Ikram has joined from Keoghs.

Deputy managing partner David Lewis said: "The appointments support our strategic development plans in key markets."