Law firm DWF announces new managing partners for its Liverpool and Leeds offices. Tony McDonough reports

Law firm DWF has unveiled Julie Simms as the new managing partner at its Liverpool office.

Julie takes over as managing partner from Graham Dagnall, who held the role for the past five years. She has been at the £72m-turnover firm for 17 years and has been a partner at for the past 13 years.

She co-heads a growing team within DWF focused on the delivery of development related services to public bodies and private sector promoters of nationally and regionally significant regeneration and infrastructure projects.

“I am very proud to take on the role of managing partner in Liverpool,” said Julie. “And I am keen to build on what we have already achieved in the region and collaborate with colleagues and our clients, focusing on the positive role we can play in place-based economic regeneration.

“I am committed to nurturing diverse talent across our business and look forward to continuing to work with organisations in Liverpool and Wirral on a number of our D&I and CSR initiatives.”

DWF has also announced a new managing partner at its Leeds office. Andrew Batterton joined the firm in 2021 from DLA Piper and heads its development and infrastructure planning and compulsory purchase practice. 

Andrew continues to play a key part in the growth of DWF’s full service offering to promoters of major development, infrastructure and energy projects.

He takes up the position of office managing partner from Jonathan Branton who held the role for the last three years.

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UK and Ireland regional managing partner at DWF, Hilary Ross, added: “They both bring a wealth of experience to their new roles that aligns seamlessly with our purpose and of delivering positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities.

“I want to extend my appreciation to Graham Dagnall and Jonathan Branton, both of whom remain with DWF, for their leadership and invaluable contributions to our Liverpool and Leeds locations.”