Eversheds has appointed former Hammonds partner David Beswick as the firm's new Birmingham senior partner.

Beswick took up the post of office head on 1 January, replacing Sue Lewis, who has stepped down after four years in the role. She is set to return to full-time fee earning as a partner in the corporate finance practice.

In addition to heading up the Birmingham office, Beswick will continue to lead the human resources group in the region, which comprises the employment and pension teams.

Beswick rejoined Eversheds in 2009 from local rival Hammonds where he was one of the firm's most senior partners and headed up the Birmingham employment practice. He initially joined Eversheds as a trainee in 1985, making partner in 1996, before leaving for Hammonds in 2001.

Beswick commented: "Eversheds has made a significant impact in the West Midlands, establishing a leading, progressive firm with a strong local and international client base. It is a great time to take over as senior partner with Eversheds being very strongly positioned in the region."

He added: "I am looking forward to guiding our Birmingham practice through the next phase of its development and continuing our drive to provide high quality, client services across the region and internationally."

Last year Hammonds' Birmingham office expanded its environmental practice with the hire of Eversheds' national environment group and chemical sector head David Gordon.