Ward Hadaway makes raft of appointments
The legal firm’s affordable housing team is boosted by the arrival of two partners, an associate, two solicitors, and an affordable housing conveyancer, as it continues its growth across the North.
Stuart Whitehead joins as a partner within the housing management team in Manchester adding to a team of 17 specialists advising clients on all aspects of housing management.
Whitehead has more than three decades of experience, having worked both in-house for a large provider of affordable housing and in private practice.
His experience includes representing housing associations and local authorities in areas covering housing possession and disrepair claims, anti-social behaviour injunctions, and breaches of tenancy.
Whitehead said: “I am looking forward to working with the firm’s existing clients and growing this offer across the North West region.
“This is an exciting role for me as we look to further develop our housing management offer to new and existing clients.”
Kelly Pearson has joined as a partner in the affordable housing team and will be based in the Newcastle office, specialising in property, development, and regeneration projects.
She brings more than 17 years of experience working with some of the largest housing providers in the UK, such as DWF, and is recognised in the Legal 500 as a next-generation partner.
Advising on all aspects of property development for affordable housing schemes, Pearson will work alongside fellow partner Jen Robinson who is based in the firm’s Leeds office, delivering these services regionally and nationally.
Pearson said: “Joining Ward Hadaway is a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the affordable housing sector.
“I’m pleased to be part of such a well-regarded and dedicated team that not only values professional growth but also invests in understanding and meeting the unique needs of our client’s communities.”
A restructure of Ward Hadaway’s affordable housing leadership team has seen the appointment of partner Simon Thirtle as head of affordable housing across Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle, and he will continue to head up housing management.
Thirtle said: “I’m delighted to welcome these new appointments to the team which is a testament to our ambition and reinforces our commitment and position as a leader within this sector. It’s an exciting time for the firm.
“We have continued to make a number of strategic changes and appointments to our affordable housing team across all of our offices to support our ambitious growth plans and enhance our service delivery to the housing providers with whom we work nationally.”
“We pride ourselves on the strength and longevity of our client relationships and the quality of our services through working together as one team. Our new team members all bring additional experience and strength in depth to our offer.”
Other additions to the firm’s Newcastle office include Marie-Louise O’Hanrahan as an associate, Perri Byrne as a solicitor, and Jamie-Lee Nixon as an affordable housing conveyancer. Richard Hey has also joined the firm’s Leeds office as a solicitor with a brief to assist in dealing with housing conditions claims.
