People: Law firm’s expansion continues; COO appointment for listed medical company; and more

AN HR manager has been appointed at hlw Keeble Hawson to drive recruitment and training in line with the firm’s growth strategy.   

Since achieving her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Level qualification 12 years ago, Joanne Everist has gained extensive experience in managing staffing requirements for the legal sector.  

Working with department heads, she will oversee recruitment, induction and training and development programmes across the firm’s Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds offices.   

An immediate priority is to recruit an experienced commercial property lawyer and an insolvency paralegal following further growth in these areas.

A further development sees commercial property lawyer Ellen Osborne formally joining the practice following her recent qualification. The former trainee solicitor studied at Manchester University and gained experience at a South Yorkshire practice before moving to hlw Keeble Hawson’s Sheffield office.   

Managing partner Paul Trudgill said: “Continuing to attract and retain the right people is essential as we consolidate our core skills and strengths across our corporate, commercial and private client departments. Joanne’s wealth of expertise will be vital for our staff development.”

Richard Smith, partner and head of hlw Keeble Hawson’s commercial property team, added: “Our department continues to be commissioned for wide-ranging deals and we wish Ellen every success in supporting our busy team.” 

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ANDREW GILLEN has joined Langleys Solicitors’ insurance law division.

Mr Gillen joins Langleys Claims Services, the law firm’s pre-litigation claims handling unit, from DAC Beachcroft in Leeds, where he was a senior solicitor in the catastrophic injury team.

Prior to this, he worked in large loss litigation at Weightmans in Leeds.
An associate solicitor, Mr Gillen has more than seven years’ experience in dealing with high value claims for international insurer clients.

David Thompson, managing partner and head of insurance at Langleys, said: “Andrew is an excellent addition to our team. His expertise and knowledge will further enhance the advice and high quality service that we provide to our clients.”

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SURGICAL INNOVATIONS, the AIM-listed designer and manufacturer of medical technology, has announced that Melanie Ross has been appointed chief operating officer in addition to her current role as finance director.

Her previous job title was managing director of Surgical Innovations and the company said this change reflects her increasing responsibility for developing the firm’s business through acquisition, including the recent acquisition of the laparoscopic business and assets of Surgical Dynamics.

Meanwhile, Charmaine Day has been promoted to company secretary in addition to her ongoing responsibilities as financial controller. Ms Day joined the company in 2012 having previously been management accountant at Ellis Fairbank.

Nigel Rogers, executive chairman of SI Group, said: “The board recognises the important contribution that both Melanie and Charmaine are making to the operational efficiency and control environment of the current business, and the continuing development of the company’s activities and management in future.”