Clarke Willmott poaches four from Freeths

Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office has hired four members of Freeths’ construction and engineering team, including partner James Driver.

Driver, who joins Clarke Willmott as partner, will head up a new construction team for Manchester and brings with him three former Freeths colleagues; David Lorenzo, Mark Christie and Harriet Atkin.

Lorenzo joins the team as consultant, having worked previously in the renewable energy sector and in particular energy from waste schemes.

Christie joins as an associate and specialises in both contentious and non-contentious construction law and acts primarily in relation to dispute resolution proceedings and has experience in litigation, adjudication, mediation and arbitration.

Solicitor Harriet Atkin who joins the team also specialises in dispute resolution including mediation, litigation and adjudication. PA Nicola Ellaby and legal assistant Elena Fradest have also moved over from Freeths.

The team has collective experience on work including major projects such as Hinkley Point C.

Priscilla Hall, head of the national construction team at Clarke Willmott said: “We are delighted to welcome James and his team to Clarke Willmott.

“Their skills, knowledge and fantastic client base will add to our already strong national construction offering. We look forward to working with them.”