A former senior lawyer at Weightmans and Kirwans is joining Liverpool law firm Astraea Linskills as chief executive and head of its private client. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool law firm Astraea Linskills has uncoiled a new chief executive and head of its private client department.

John-Paul Dennis takes the helm at Astraea Linskills which was founded by lawyer Nama Zarroug in 2016 as Astraea Legal. In February 2020 it acquired leading Liverpool criminal law firm Linskills and rebranded as Astraea Linskills. It also has an office in London.

Mr Dennis, who was head of the Liverpool wills trusts and estates team at Weightmans and previously a partner at Kirwans, brings with him 17 years of experience in all areas of tax planning, trust, wills and probate matters.

He has provided guidance to business owners and high net worth individuals on succession planning, lifetime and post-death tax planning. He said “As chief executive I am looking forward to driving the strategic direction of the firm, working with the board to ensure organic and sustainable growth.

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“As head of private client, I will be looking to introduce a new service to the firm, it’s clients and contacts and to develop an efficient cutting edge private client and wealth advisory service to protect clients, their families and successive generations.

“I am delighted to join such a dynamic team and excited at the challenges which lie ahead and and I am looking forward to growing the business and expanding our portfolio”

Mr Dennis lives in Wavertree with his partner, has one son and is also chair of trustees at Nugent Care, one of the region’s oldest and most diverse charities.

Ms Zarroug added “As a board of directors we have grown the business substantially, acquired one of Liverpool’s leading criminal practices and more than doubled the number of employees in recent years.

“John Paul joins us as we plan to relocate our practice to bigger premises on Castle Street in the heart of the city centre and we could not be more thrilled to welcome him to our talented team.”