Global law firm Addleshaw Goddard has appointed a new head for its Manchester office.

Harold Brako, Head of Finance Litigation for the firm in Manchester, has taken over from Mike O'Connor as Head of Office following the expiry of Mike's three year term in office. Harold will assume leadership of Addleshaw Goddard's operations in the city.

As an experienced litigator, Harold is singled out by his clients as "very solutions driven" and "unflappable" and consistently highlighted as a top tier lawyer in the main legal directories.  He provides advice to a wide range of finance sector businesses and banks in both the North West and internationally. 

Harold has played a key role in the North West legal community throughout his career, having joined Addleshaw Goddard in 2017 from Shoosmiths, where he founded and headed up its Manchester office. He will combine his new leadership responsibilities with his litigation work.

Speaking of the appointment, Harold commented: "I am honoured and immensely proud to be taking on this role, not least as a visible role model for diversity and inclusion. I look forward to helping drive Addleshaw Goddard's ambitions in the local market as well as working closely with the wider Manchester business community."

John Joyce, Addleshaw Goddard's Managing Partner, added: "Harold is one of our most prolific and well-connected Partners, and his profile in the region and past experience made him an obvious choice to lead our office and continue to build upon Mike's past work."

"Mike has our sincere thanks for all of his hard work over the past three years, the last of which has had some very unusual challenges, and the enthusiasm, ideas, and good humour that he has bought to the role."

Over the past 12 months, the Firm has made a number of significant investments to its Manchester office, reaffirming its commitment to the North West legal community, including the recruitment of Mike Burns to lead its Employment team from Eversheds Sutherland, and the appointment of Samantha Haigh and George Danczak to Partner in its most recent round of promotions.