UK Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway opens Birmingham office and announces appointment of Joanna Lee-Mills as Equity Partner 

UK Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway has opened its fourth office in Birmingham, marking its first location outside the North of England. 

With the office opening news, the firm has announced Colmore BID Board Director Joanna Lee-Mills, has been appointed as Equity Partner.  

The new office, which adds to the organisation’s bases in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, is situated in the newly refurbished Chamberlain Square at the end of Colmore Row in Colmore Business District. It is the firm’s first new office opening in well over a decade. 

Speaking of her appointment, Joanna said: “My decision to join Ward Hadaway was very much driven by the firm’s existing strength in affordable housing, and the firm’s expansion into Birmingham represents in my view, not just growth, but a very dedicated and strategic long term commitment to the Midlands region and beyond. 

“With my fellow partners, we immerse ourselves to fully understand our clients’ goals and how they operate.  It’s this mentality that will help create the perfect environment to create innovative legal solutions that are needed to develop the region further. For my area of specialism, the team will establish a solid platform where legal expertise can facilitate connections between housing, employment, sustainability, and community development.” 

This move is one of the components of Ward Hadaway’s ambitious growth plans announced last year, in which the firm outlined its objective to double its turnover within the next decade. 

Steven Petrie, Ward Hadaway’s Managing Partner said, “When I announced our ambitious growth plans, we knew that expanding geographically was going to be a key part of our strategy. 

“Birmingham is a thriving legal hub, home to an active business community. Its strong industrial heritage, reputation for technological innovation and robust service sector align with the challenges and opportunities we are accustomed to. Our research shows that there is significant demand for a firm like ours – one that is committed to meeting the needs of the region’s businesses, organisations and communities across the West Midlands. 

“As a firm, we are proud of our strong presence in each of the regions where we operate. This expansion is no different. We are recruiting talented and experienced professionals for the Birmingham office who are eager to better support the ambitions of businesses across the region. 

“Our approach is all about one firm, working together to meet clients’ needs. However, we also encourage our people to reflect the character and distinctiveness of the regions they serve. I’m really excited to watch the Birmingham office develop and become a thriving part of the Ward Hadaway family.” 

The new office has ambitious plans to expand its team and capabilities over the coming weeks and months, with a focus on strengthening Ward Hadaway’s presence across the region. It will quickly be able to offer businesses across the West Midlands a comprehensive and tailored range of legal services. 

Steven Petrie added: “The West Midlands has long been a powerhouse for business and we’re seeing a real surge in demand for commercial legal services as companies in the region strive to grow, to diversify and to respond to the challenging economic times we are in. Our presence in Birmingham will enable us to provide the support businesses need to navigate complex legal challenges and seize new opportunities. 

“We’re excited to welcome a number of experienced and well known professionals to the team, who will be instrumental in driving the success of the office and supporting the growth ambitions of our clients across the region.”