Manchester-based, McAlister Family Law, has taken a five-strong Children Law team from Slater and Gordon and a 10-person Child Care legal team from Stephensons, to bolster its offering.

The move trebles the size of the McAlister business and creates a unique offering designed to be disruptive to those of traditional family practices in the North West and beyond.

McAlister Family Law, which has offices in Manchester city centre and throughout Cheshire, made this bold move in order to cement its reputation as a family law firm not only committed divorce and related finance work but also uniquely its passionate dedication to the welfare of children.

Amanda McAlister, managing director, said: “Family law firms are generally seen as being vehicles for expensive divorces conducted on behalf of high net worth individuals.  However, we believe strongly in social responsibility, and are passionately committed to the welfare of children.  By bringing these teams into the firm, headed by two of the country’s finest lawyers, we now have a business with a strength and depth of experience unrivalled outside of London.”

In its creation of two specialist Children Law teams, McAlister brings together four high profile lawyers with reputations as experts in their fields: Nick Hodson, Donna Roberts, Paul Webb and Amanda McAlister who have, in various iterations, enjoyed a working relationship of more than 15 years’ duration, are reunited.

Nick Hodson, described by Legal 500 as being “very strong on care matters”, joins from Slater and Gordon Lawyers as Partner and heads the Private and Public Children Law team.  Donna Roberts, described by the same legal directory a “vastly experienced” and “a skilled advocate” joins from Stephensons as Partner and heads the Specialist and Complex Cases team. team. Paul Webb, Partner, also joins from Slater and Gordon; Legal 500 describes him as “a very thorough lawyer whose gentle yet firm approach puts even the most difficult and demanding clients at ease.”

Nick Hodson said: “In a very short time, McAlister Family Law established itself as a market leader. I was delighted to join a vibrant and dynamic business which backs us and is prepared to invest in developing a dedicated specialist team that puts the welfare of children at the heart of our business.”

Donna Roberts added: “McAlister Family Law is very different from other law firms; it genuinely focuses on the development of its people who, in turn, achieve the best outcomes for their clients – I believe this is a winning combination”.

Paul Webb said: “The decision to join McAlister Family Law was an incredibly easy one. Amanda’s vision, coupled with a flexible and supportive work environment where the needs of the client are always the focus, is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.”

McAlister Family Law is part of Beyond Professional Services Group, a business that is investing and growing niche and specialist professional service businesses, with common values and culture. The Group believes strongly in doing the right thing for its clients and its people. Led by Matt Fleetwood, its business model is focused on investing in strong management teams to operate niche and focused businesses with common values and a social conscience, challenging the thinking of the traditional law firms and ultimately changing traditional approaches to conducting professional service business, with notable success.

He said: “This is a hugely positive development within an already very successful business, and one which is entirely in sync with everything that we believe in.  We are a Group that embraces change not for the sake of it, but in order to effect a genuine difference that benefits all those involved.”

Manchester-based legal recruitment firm, Douglas Scott, has appointed Gina Swaim-Rutter as Commercial Director as it drives forward ambitious growth plans.

With more than ten years’ senior leadership experience and a number of industry awards, Gina joins the business to support the management team as it seeks to enhance and grow its offering. She joins Douglas Scott from a private equity backed, award winning, and high growth law firm where she held the positions of Executive Director and Operations Leader.

She is in her final stages of achieving an MBA with Manchester Metropolitan University, alongside undertaking Lean Six Sigma and Prince2 Training.

The hire follows news of Lisa Spink’s appointment, rejoining the firm to launch and lead Douglas Scott’s in-house contract desk.

Commenting on her appointment, Gina said: “Douglas Scott’s story is a compelling one – the opportunity to join them at such a critical point is really exciting. I look forward to focusing on the evolution and expansion of the firm’s offering, while driving operational efficiencies to support growth.

“As the industry advances, there is huge opportunity for firms to leverage innovation and new technologies, streamlining processes and enhancing client offerings. Douglas Scott is already doing this, and I look forward to being part of a market-leading team, setting best practice.”

Douglas Scott Founder and Managing Director, Kathryn Riley, said: “Gina’s legal background is already proving a real asset to the business as we seek to further enhance our client offering. There are few individuals who can offer strong expertise within the intersection of these industries, so we’re delighted to welcome Gina and her excellent credentials to the team.”

Gina continued: “Having worked in the legal industry for over a decade, I have seen the important role Douglas Scott plays in placing both highly trained lawyers and non-lawyers into their next legal role. Efficient recruitment can’t be underestimated, it’s vital if the legal sector is to continue to flourish.”