International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has unveiled the new head of its Manchester office.

Roger Hart, one of the region's most renowned Corporate lawyers, takes over the role from Harold Brako after the end of his three-year term in office. Roger will drive Addleshaw Goddard's operations and ambitious growth strategy in the city for the next three years.

Roger, who will combine his new role with his full-time work as a heavyweight corporate dealmaker, leads Addleshaw Goddard's relationship with some its best-known clients such as JD Sports, BT, Currys, Speedy Hire and MoneySuperMarket.  

Roger has been a leading figure in the North West business community for many years, having trained at legacy firm Addleshaw Sons and Latham and becoming a Partner at Addleshaw Goddard in 2005.

Top ranked by both the Chambers UK and Legal 500 directories, he advises many of the region's top businesses on M&A, public takeovers, IPOs, fundraisings, directors’ responsibilities and governance issues.

Roger Hart said:

"Having spent my career working for Addleshaw Goddard in the city, I'm honoured to have been asked to pick up the baton from Harold and take on this role, while maintaining the level of client work I do. The North-West is thriving and, with the support of all my colleagues, I look forward to delivering legal services with the quality, imagination and impact that our clients, old and new, deserve. These are exciting times for Addleshaw Goddard as the firm grows internationally and I will be doing everything I can to ensure that we remain the pre-eminent law firm in Manchester."

Andrew Johnston, Addleshaw Goddard's Managing Partner, added:

"I am thrilled that Roger has accepted this role as we look to build on the strong foundations we have in Manchester to achieve even more. The North West has always been one of our heartlands and I believe there is a huge opportunity, as part of my overall growth agenda for the firm, for us to further increase our standing and market share in the region."

"I'd also like to thank Harold for the success he made of the role and for his hard work over the past three years. He has been a great leader for the firm, driving the Manchester office out of the Covid period successfully and ensuring that we are in such a strong position in Manchester."

Addleshaw Goddard is considered the 'giant' of the Manchester legal market, with the most comprehensive, high-quality legal offering in the city and a client base which is unrivalled. The firm's Mancunian roots date back to 1857, when John William Addleshaw began legal practice in the city.