RJW launches property department

Manchester-based law firm Russell Jones & Walker is to establish a new property division.

Claire Hamilton, ex-Halliwells and MCR Property Group, will take control of property finance. Helen O'Neil joins RJW from Rowlands and will take charge of commercial property.

The new division will deal with all types of non-contentious property work, both commercial and residential.

Neil Kinsella, managing partner of RJW, said: "This recruitment continues our strategic growth plans for Manchester and the firm nationally.

"We anticipate recruiting new members of the team as the property division grows and, although the market is undeniably difficult to negotiate at the moment, this new team will nurture existing relationships while building new ones in order to support both the property division's and RJW's overall long-term goals."

O'Neil said: "I've worked with other practitioners from Russell Jones & Walker and the calibre of RJW people is outstanding. I'm delighted to be able to join such an exciting new team at its inception."

RJW has more than 440 staff across offices in England, Wales and Scotland. The Manchester office is in St James House on Charlotte Street.