Stephen Richardson has more than 20 years' experience dealing with a range of commercial property matters and is a leading figure in the retail development legal sector.

He has acted for retailers and the public sector on both development work and management of their operational properties and portfolios of investment properties.

He was head of the Leeds Occupiers Team for his previous firm, Eversheds, and counts a UK supermarket giant and a nationwide clothing plc among his clients.

Outside of the retail sector, Stephen's experience includes advising on the development of the new Milton Keynes Football Stadium.

Andrew Hoyle, lead partner for Ward Hadaway's Leeds office, said: "Stephen is acknowledged as one of the leading figures in his field in Leeds so it is great news for Ward Hadaway and our clients to have him on board.

His experience and abilities will prove invaluable going forward."

Ward Hadaway now has eight partners and their teams at its office at Benson House, Wellington Street, in Leeds with expertise in competition, construction, property, employment, healthcare, insolvency and corporate recovery.

Together with its operation in Newcastle, the firm employs more than 400 people.