Commercial law firm Brabners has announced the appointments of partner Richard Hepworth and solicitor Laura Pointon as it strengthens its corporate and employment teams in Manchester.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Richard specialises in corporate transactions advising large, owner-managed businesses on international deals. Moving from Pannone Corporate, he has acted for clients across a broad range of sectors and has built a strong client base in Russia, advising a number of leading law firms as they transact deals under English law.

Employment solicitor Laura joins the firm from an in-house recruitment industry role where she was legal director. She has eight years’ experience in employment law, advising both commercial and private clients on a wide range of issues, from undertaking disciplinary and grievance processes to restrictive covenants and TUPE.

Commenting on his new role, Richard said:

“Brabners’ corporate team is one of the most active in the region, with a high-quality client base and a strong track record. My experience on cross-border transactions will allow me to work closely with the team as we continue to build this further.”

Mark Brandwood, managing partner at Brabners, added:

“Our corporate team consistently supports its national client base on a wide range of matters, with the team frequently advising on international deals and this is something we foresee increasing. Richard’s international credentials make him an ideal fit and ensure he will be an important part of the firm’s growth in this area.

“Bringing Laura into the firm continues our long history of employing people with on the ground experience of working in the sectors we serve. Her recruitment and in-house expertise mean she is exactly what we look for – a commercially minded lawyer.”

Over the past four years, Brabner’s corporate team has been recognised as the most active legal adviser in the regional M&A market and firm’s employment practice is one of the largest in the North West.