DWF has recruited a real estate partner from Trowers & Hamlins in Manchester as the fast-growing firm continues its expansion drive.

Jon Kiddle started at DWF last month after eight years at Trowers, the last four of which he was a partner.

He becomes the eleventh real estate partner in the firm's Manchester headquarters and specialises in the pub and leisure, social housing and corporate occupier sectors.

Nic Crocker, the national head of DWF's real estate team, said: "We are looking to grow in a number of areas to fill in a few of the gaps. We have recently seen a significant increase in our hotel work and Jon's experience in the leisure sector, along with his expertise in social housing work, is exactly what we have been looking for in two key areas for our clients.

"We are still looking to grow further in real estate and other sectors, and are in the fortunate position of having weathered the recession better than most, so we can now build on that with expansion."

During August DWF also saw the addition of two former Halliwells lawyers to its Manchester commercial litigation team, with Stephen Morris and James Lappin joining as a partner and director respectively.

DWF broke into the UK top 50 rankings by revenue this year with a 17% hike in turnover alongside a 56% increase in partner profits. The expansive firm has now recruited around 40 partners over the last three years.