People: Cooper Parry; MSB Solicitors; Hill & Smith

Cooper Parry Law has expanded its Birmingham team with two experienced hires.

Anna Hewitson joins as partner and Kieran Cornish as manager, both bringing expertise from their careers at PwC and several law firms.

Hewitson and Cornish’s backgrounds include corporate restructuring, M&A and international business reorganisations, with a focus on delivering practical solutions for businesses facing growth and complexity.

At Cooper Parry, the pair will work alongside tax, accounting and deals teams to provide integrated legal support for clients.

Emily Waterhouse, head of law at CP, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Anna and Kieran on the team. Their expertise and fresh perspectives are exactly what CP Law is all about — ensuring Cooper Parry provides joined-up advice spanning both tax, accounting and legal issues.

“We’re proving that legal support can be dynamic, innovative, and genuinely client-focused. By working alongside our tax, deals and accounting teams, we’re offering a truly holistic approach to tackling our clients’ challenges. We’re building something special here, and their arrival marks another exciting milestone for the team.”

MSB Solicitors has announced two family law appointments at its Birmingham office, less than 12 months after opening.

International family law partner, Gemma Kelsey and senior associate divorce specialist, Hannah Stubbs, started their roles with MSB Solicitors on the 6th of January 2025.

Kelsey focuses on complex, high-stakes and cross-border family law disputes. She qualified as a family law solicitor in 2008 and has dedicated the last 16 years to children’s law.

Gemma Kelsey

Before joining MSB, she was a partner at a regional firm in Oxfordshire and also served as partner and head of family law at a firm in Warwickshire.

Kelsey regularly advises and represents parents in cases involving child abduction, wardship, relocation and international contact disputes.

She has built a reputation for her expertise in cross-border family cases, frequently collaborating with the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) on incoming child abduction cases and international contact disputes.

She also regularly provides pro-bono advice to charities supporting families involved in international children’s disputes.

Hannah Stubbs

Hannah Stubbs joins MSB Solicitors from a national family law firm and has particular expertise in financial disputes during divorce proceedings.

Stubbs qualified as a solicitor in 2018 and has since been recognised as a ‘key lawyer’ in the Legal 500 in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

After starting her career in property law, Stubbs has an understanding of cohabitee disputes, trusts and complicated property ownership.

She also deals with children’s issues, pre-and post-nuptial arrangements and emergency protective orders.

Emma Palmer, head of family law at MSB Solicitors, said: “The appointments of Gemma and Hannah are a significant boost for our Birmingham clients, strengthening two core areas in which our family team excels—international family law and financial relief.”

Emma Carey, managing partner at MSB Solicitors, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Gemma and Hannah to our team, bringing with them a wealth of expertise. Their appointments are crucial as we continue to focus on expanding and enhancing the growth of our Birmingham office. Our Family Law services will play a pivotal role in this growth strategy.”

Hill & Smith, the international provider of sustainable infrastructure products and services, has announced that Hannah Nichols, group chief financial officer has decided to leave the company.

Nichols will take up the same position at the Coat Group.

She has been with Hill & Smith since September 2019 and will leave the Group at the end of March 2025.

Alan Giddins, chair of Hill & Smith, said: “Hannah has played an important role in the success of Hill & Smith since being appointed CFO over five years ago, and I wish her all the best in her new role. The search for Hannah’s successor is underway, and I am confident we will find a high-quality candidate.”

Nichols added: “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Hill & Smith and am proud of the progress the business has made over the last five years. I believe that the Group is well placed to deliver on the next stage of its strategic growth plan, and I look forward to following its continued success.”