PwC Legal hires partner to boost growth in North

PwC Legal has hired Neal Shepherd as a partner to help it grow across the regions, with particular emphasis on the North of England.

Mr Shepherd who joins from Addleshaw Goddard, will be based in the firm’s Manchester office.

He will work with businesses across the UK, with a focus on mid-market mergers and acquisitions.

He will also expand services into areas that complement PwC’s business, such as employment and pensions.

Ian Morrison, PwC’s Yorkshire and North East chairman said yesterday: “Neal’s appointment reflects our strategy of building the right team of specialists so that we can continue to help our clients be successful.

“He is recognised as one of the top corporate lawyers in the North, so his experience will benefit our clients and continues our commitment to recruit and retain the best talent.”

Shirley Brookes, the senior partner at PwC Legal, added: “Neal has a fantastic track record and will help us grow the business in areas that fit with PwC and PwC Legal’s combined strength.

“He has a strong deals background and will also help expand our broader business, where we’re seeing growing demand in areas such as pensions.

It’s an exciting time for the business. We’re seeing strong demand for our multi-disciplinary approach and our recent appointments will help us make the most of this appetite.”

It is the latest in a number of senior appointments announced by PwC Legal. Partner Mark Crofskey has joined from McDermott Will & Emery, to lead the mergers and acquisitions team in London.

Former Field Fisher Waterhouse partner Stewart Room was appointed in September to lead PwC Legal’s cyber security practice.

A PwC spokesman said that three people worked within PwC Legal in the North. The spokesman added: “It has a strategy which is focused on delivering services which suit PwC clients and the wider PwC business. Our legal practice is corporate-led, and will focus on mid-market merger and acquisition, but will also expand into areas that complement PwC’s business.”