Law firm’s former Manchester office head moves to rival
THE former head of Shoosmiths’ Manchester office and prominent banking litigation lawyer Harold Brako has moved to Addleshaw Goddard.
Brako, who was responsible for setting up the Shoosmiths’ Manchester office in 2009, will bolster Addleshaw Goddard’s Manchester litigation and national finance litigation practices.
Brako was replaced as Shoosmiths’ office head by real estate lawyer Vaqas Farooq in December. Farooq described Brako as an “outstanding” head of office who had had the courage to set up an entirely new legal presence in the city during a difficult economic climate.
Farooq added: “Harold switched the Manchester lights on six years ago and has since overseen and helped build a successful office of which we are all very proud.”
Outlined as a leading individual in Chambers, Brako is seen as the ‘go to’ lawyer for asset based lending work and has led on substantial litigation for independent financial institutions and clearing banks.
His hire follows a period of growth of Addleshaw Goddard’s national finance litigation practice and investment in the Manchester litigation practice, which has recently added four senior associates to its team, taking it to four partners and over 30 fee-earners.
Alongside the litigation practice Brako will also support the firm’s business support & restructuring (BSR) team.
Mark Molyneux, who leads the Manchester litigation team, said: “We continue to deal with a blend of significant international, national and local cases and this hire really demonstrates our commitment to being a first-class litigation practice both in the North West and nationally.”
Sally Butt, national head of financial services and finance litigation at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Harold’s reputation is outstanding and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. His proven track record advising clients across the financial services sector alongside his local market connections, combined with our existing capability, are an attractive proposition for the region – where we continue to invest and deepen our relationships with key businesses.”
On today’s announcement a spokesperson for Shoosmiths said: “Shoosmiths continues to enjoy great growth in Manchester and has recently announced four new partner hires across a range of disciplines.
“We are also hugely excited about our move to our new office at the XYZ Building in Spinningfields early next year. We wish Harold all the best for the future.”
