Media lawyers on the move

MEDIA law specialist Mark Manley is leaving Brabners Chaffe Street at the end of the month to set up his own practice.

Mr Manley, who has been at Brabners for over 20 years, is understood to be launching a Chester-based firm, Manleys Solicitors, during the summer.

Mr Manley is a defamation expert who is currently based at Brabners’ Liverpool office. He has represented a series of national and local newspapers, radio stations, publishers and broadcasters, and is ranked as “well-regarded” for mediation services in commercial litigation disputes.

Meanwhile, another longstanding media lawyer, Bill Lister, has left Manchester law firm Pannone to join city rival Heatons.

Mr Lister, who specialises in intellectual property (particularly branding), defamation and privacy issues, had spent over 25 years at Pannone.

He initially qualified as a barrister and worked for several firms in the Manchester area, before requalifying as a solicitor shortly  after joining Pannone in 1986. He was made partner in the firm in 1990.

He said he was “thrilled” to join the firm.

“Heatons is a boutique practice with an outstanding reputation.

“There is considerable potential to develop our Intellectual Property and media client base in our key target sectors.”

 Matt Fleetwood, managing partner at Heatons, said: “This is a significant appointment for the firm and we are delighted to welcome Bill to Heatons.

“He has a fantastic reputation and is well respected by clients and colleagues alike.”