Leading Leeds firm Walker Morris has taken a rare senior lateral hire with the appointment of Eversheds' Manchester head of construction Simon Anderson to raise its profile in the competitive northeast construction market.
Anderson, who was based at Eversheds' Leeds office before moving to Manchester, is expected to join Walkers on 14 August, boosting its team of two partners and four assistants.
Walker Morris managing partner Philip Mudd told Legal Week he was hoping Anderson will widen Walkers' client base among primary contractors.
"We are looking to build up our practice in the construction sector and this was a fantastic opportunity for us to progress," he added.
The appointment, only the third partner-level lateral hire in the firm's history, marks a more aggressive line from Walker Morris, which boosted its ranking in the Leeds 'big six' this year, with turnover rising 27% to £23m in the year end to April.
The move comes during a period of upheaval for Eversheds' respected construction practice, which is being shaken up along national lines as the firm moves towards financial integration.
Eversheds' former Newcastle managing partner Nigel Robson, a highly-regarded construction specialist in the northeast, transferred to the firm's Leeds office this year to oversee a northern practice group.
At the same time, northeast partner Mary Herbert moved to Eversheds' Cardiff office.
Anderson was unavailable for comment as Legal Week went to press.