Law firm announces new managing partner

Law firm Ward Hadaway, which has offices in Leeds and Manchester, has appointed a leading corporate lawyer as managing partner.

Martin Hulls takes on the role as the firm begins to celebrate its 30th anniversary year.

Hulls has led the firm’s 26-strong corporate team for many years, and takes over from Jamie Martin who has held the position for more than two decades.

Martin has charted the firm’s growth from a £6m firm with a workforce of less than 100 to a £36m plus operation, employing in excess of 470 people. During that time the firm has added to its original base in Newcastle by building significant bases in Leeds and Manchester.

Martin will move into a new role as the firm’s senior partner, working closely with Steve McNicol, who recently joined Ward Hadaway’s senior team as strategic business development partner.

Martin said: “As with any business, succession planning is an important consideration. The firm has developed massively over the last 20 years and is in great shape as Martin takes over.

“It is a happy coincidence that the 30th anniversary year is the right time to hand over the baton to a new leader as we enter the next chapter in our development.

“It is an exciting time for Ward Hadaway, as we formulate a clear and ambitious strategy built on exceptional client service delivery. I am looking forward to taking on the challenge of my new role as senior partner.

“Martin displays exceptional leadership and project management skills as well as commercial acumen and I am confident he will continue to build on our firm’s strong reputation for first-class client service. I wish him all the very best.”

McNicol added: “I am really excited to be part of Ward Hadaway’s team, with a lawyer of Martin’s calibre and reputation at the helm. I joined the firm to focus on client service excellence, and Martin has endorsed this as his number one priority. I am looking forward to working with Jamie in the years to come as we challenge the market.”

Hulls added: “The scale of the role of managing partner for a firm of our size and ambition is ever-growing, so by adopting a team approach we will maintain a constant focus on great client service delivery, effective communications, active community engagement, as well as incisive business governance.

“I am looking forward to leading the business as it enters its fourth decade.”

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