Fieldfisher hires ex-Halliwells chief to lead Manchester office

Law firm Fieldfisher has appointed Ian Austin, the former managing partner and executive chairman of the failed Halliwells practice, as head of its Manchester office.

Dispute resolution partner Ian Austin has taken over as managing partner.

Austin was the managing partner of Halliwells from 2004 onwards and became executive chairman in September 2009 before the company went into administration in the summer of 2010.

Austin then joined Heatons with which Fieldfisher merged in February 2014. He specialises in commercial litigation, property litigation, contractual disputes and general commercial claims.
Meanwhile,  Fieldfisher corporate partners Matt Fleetwood and Jim Truscott are leaving to set up their own boutique law firm. They are currently still partners at Fieldfisher.

Fieldfisher managing partner Michael Chissick said: “I can confirm that Matt Fleetwood and Jim Truscott will be leaving Fieldfisher.

“I wish to thank Matt for his contribution to the firm over the last three years. His leadership since the merger in 2014 has helped the Manchester office to grow – both in finance and profile. I wish Matt and Jim well in their new endeavour.

“Ian Austin is the natural successor to Matt and has taken over as managing partner. Ian is ensuring a smooth transition in leadership and is continuing to drive the office’s tremendous growth.”