Wragges partner defects to St Philips

ST PHILIPS Chambers has secured the services of former Wragge & Co partner Dominic Roberts. Mr Roberts is a specialist company and commercial law barrister and was a corporate and litigation partner at Wragge’s. He specialises in all aspects of company law, financial engineering and commercial disputes. He is widely acknowledged as being an expert in such matters attracting clients such as major UK and international corporates; leading UK and overseas law and accountancy firms. These skills were recognised in 2009 when the Financial Times awarded him its Innovative Lawyers Award for the creation of the concept of a contractual profit reserve. Kevin Hegarty QC, head of St Philips Chambers, said: “Dominic’s arrival is a key appointment for our chambers, he brings with him a unique area of expertise which perfectly complements our existing commercial and chancery offering and increases our civil practice group to 63 barristers.”

Sydney Mitchell expands Family team

BIRMINGHAM law firm Sydney Mitchell has expanded its Family team with the appointment of Mike Vale, a well-known lawyer in the Midlands who has handled complex divorce cases involving multi-million pound assets. The Family team has been growing in recent years and is led by partners, Karen Moores and Mauro Vinti. Ms Moores said: “We are delighted that a lawyer of Mike’s seniority and quality has agreed to join the department. His experience and skills can only help to enhance the service that we already offer to our clients.” The firm also has offices in Sheldon and Shirley.

MFG strengthens corporate offering with new appointment

MFG Solicitors has announced the appointment of James Hayes as partner within the firm’s corporate division.  Mr Hayes joins MFG after more than a decade as corporate partner with FBC Manby Bowdler in Wolverhampton, where he earned a reputation for advising on complex transactions and cross border deals. After more than 20 years in corporate practice across Worcestershire and the Black Country, Mr Hayes has experience in a wide range of issues including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructures and a broad spectrum of national and international commercial trading matters. MFG’s managing director and partner Richard Connolly said: “James is an experienced commercial lawyer and he comes to the firm with an outstanding reputation. He has a proven track record and with his first-rate connections, James will be a key component to our team and the right person to help strengthen the commercial side of the firm in Worcester and beyond.”