Hill Dickinson has appointed commercial litigation and dispute resolution head Geraldine Ryan as the new head of its Manchester office.

Ryan will take up the role on 1 May, replacing David Wareing, who was appointed as senior partner earlier this month.

Ryan, who has been at Hill Dickinson since 1997, is the firm's client relationship partner for Barclays. She has also acted for Wayne and Coleen Rooney in a dispute with the footballer's former agents.

Her appointment follows a period of growth at the firm's Manchester office, which has seen turnover increase from £9m in 2005-06 to £20m in 2009-10.

Ryan said: "It is an absolute privilege to follow on from David as the head of Hill Dickinson's Manchester office and to assume the position at a time when our offering out of Manchester is stronger than ever.

"We are a major presence in the north of England, having added a Sheffield office to our portfolio and significantly enhanced our commercial capabilities as a result of the Halliwells acquisition last year. Manchester will play a key role in further establishing the firm as the leading commercial law firm in the north."

Managing partner Peter Jackson added: "Geraldine will help to achieve further growth out of the Manchester office and for the firm as a whole. I look forward to working with her as we continue to develop our offering, in tune with the market and changing client needs."

Earlier this month the firm announced its partner promotions, making up nine lawyers. From 1 May, the firm's Liverpool office will gain four new partners, with three in London and two in Chester.