Nine move up at DLA Piper

DLA Piper has announced the promotion of nine of its lawyers in its Manchester office.

Ben Johnson and Andy Smith in the firm's litigation and regulatory group have been made partners.

Johnson joined the firm's banking and finance litigation team in April 2002 and specialises in advising major UK clearing banks on all contentious, risk advisory and documentation aspects of payment systems.

Smith, who joined the firm as a trainee in 1998, specialises in commercial dispute resolution and has acted on several multi-million pound warranty and breach of contract claims. His clients include Honda Motor Europe.

Their colleagues, Jane Cotton (employment), Juliet Tomlinson (finance and projects) and Claire Quinn (real estate) have all been promoted to legal director.

A further four lawyers have made the step-up to associate level. They are, Christopher Perrin and Paul Barnard (real estate), Nicola Close (litigation and regulatory) and David Gardner (intellectual property & technology).

Commenting on the promotions David Gray, the firm's Manchester office managing partner, said: "I always derive great satisfaction and pride when I see lawyers of this quality, most of whom trained with us, progress through the ranks.

"Despite the tough economic climate, we remain focussed on recognising and rewarding outstanding talent. These lawyers have been chosen for their contributions to DLA Piper and their potential to help drive us into a new period of growth."

Across the UK, DLA Piper promoted 9 people to partner and 13 people to legal director.