Mills & Reeve announces double Manchester hires
The appointment of Ian Hardman and Jody Kite as construction partners will see both move over to the legal firm from Shoosmiths.
Ian Hardman, a specialist construction and engineering lawyer, joins as a non-contentious partner.
At Mills & Reeve, Hardman will be charged with strengthening the firm’s non-contentious offering and its growth into real estate and energy practices.
Hardman said: “I’m delighted to have joined Mills & Reeve and their market-leading construction practice.
“I look forward to working with my fantastic new colleagues to deliver an exceptional service to companies operating in the development, construction, and engineering sectors.”
At Shoosmiths, Hardman led the Manchester construction team, advising on large-scale infrastructure and commercial developments in the hospitality, retail, energy, and education sectors.
Jody Kite will take up the role of construction disputes partner.
His appointment will expand the company’s construction disputes capacity across the North within the firm’s construction, engineering, and energy disputes practice.
He said: “It’s a privilege to join Mills & Reeve and their outstanding construction team.
“I look forward to playing a significant role in the continued growth of the firm’s top-notch construction, engineering and energy disputes practice across the North of England, nationally, and beyond.”
Before Shoosmiths, Kite spent more than seven years with Dandara.
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The hires come after Dominic Jones steps into the role as head of construction at Mills & Reeve.
Jones added: “It’s brilliant to welcome Ian and Jody to Mills & Reeve.
“They are both class acts, and their arrival will expand and enhance the whole-of-lifecycle service offered by our national construction and engineering team.
“They are also joining at a time when the sectors we serve are facing real opportunities – and a few challenges – and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside Ian and Jody to help our clients navigate both.”
Both hires will work from Mills & Reeve’s Manchester office alongside the firm’s 180 employees at One Circle Square.
