Liz Bottrill has become the new executive partner at law firm Ward Hadaway, taking over from Paul Johnson, who steps down after seven years.

Johnson will now focus on developing the corporate team in Manchester with fellow partners Sean FitzGerald and Melanie Yeomans, as well as his position as President of the Manchester Law Society.

Bottrill, a family law expert, brings more than 30 years’ experience to take the helm, having joined the firm in 2020 from Laytons.

She will also be an active partner in the Family Law and Matrimonial Manchester team, where she regularly advises clients in relation to divorce and cohabitation issues, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and financial solutions, issues relating to children, and surrogacy arrangements.

Hadaway’s managing partner, Martin Hulls, said: “I would like to give my sincere thanks to Paul for his excellent leadership over the last seven years. He was the office’s first Executive Partner and has been pivotal during a period of significant growth.

“I warmly welcome Liz to the role and I’m confident that her experience and expertise, along with her dynamism, empathy and good judgement she has shown since she joined us two years ago, will drive the Manchester office forward with energy into the next phase of its growth.

“We remain focused on, and committed to, excellent client service, employee health and wellbeing, and being actively engaged in our local communities. The potential for growth within the North West market is huge, and I look forward to seeing the Manchester team developing under Liz’s stewardship.