Former Addleshaw Goddard senior partner Monica Burch is joining Shoosmiths as a non-executive director.

Burch joined legacy firm Theodore Goddard as a trainee in 1988, becoming a litigation partner in 1999. She was elected senior partner in 2010 and simultaneously held the newly created role of chairman after Addleshaws overhauled its management structure.

As a non-executive director, Burch will advise Shoosmiths on strategy matters.

Burch said: "Joining Shoosmiths at such an important time in its history is very exciting indeed. The firm has an enviable reputation, growing significantly in the last few years, most recently opening new offices in Leeds and Belfast, and attracting and retaining superb clients and talent.

"I am very much looking forward to my involvement in projects to further Shoosmiths on this growth trajectory, working closely with the partnership and board to achieve critical strategic objectives."

Burch has previously held non-executive board member positions at the Channel 4 Corporation and the Crown Prosecution Service. She was a founding board member of legal diversity initiative PRIME from 2012-15 and currently chairs the Mentoring Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that targets the advancement of women in FTSE 100 leadership positions.

Shoosmiths chairman Peter Duff said: "Monica clearly understands what is required in advising a partnership on a growth journey and is a firm advocate of collaboration, an important value at Shoosmiths. We look forward to working with Monica at this turning point in Shoosmiths' history."

Shoosmiths recorded double-digit growth this summer and has made several hires during 2018, including Irwin Mitchell partner duo Philip Goldsborough and James Foster.