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16 July 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Ward Hadaway—Joanna Lee-Mills, Natalie Owen & Sabina Kauser

Firm grows West Midlands team with senior hires in Birmingham office

Ward Hadaway has bolstered its presence in the West Midlands with the appointment of three senior partners to its newly opened Birmingham office. Joanna Lee-Mills, Natalie Owen and Sabina Kauser are among the first to join the UK Top 100 law firm’s base at Chamberlain Square, as part of a strategic push to build a full-service legal team in the region.

Joanna Lee-Mills joins as a partner in the housing team, bringing significant experience in land acquisitions and residential development for Registered Providers. She is joined by director Jenny Walker, managing associate Clarissa Pritchard, and solicitor Christy Davies. Lesley Fairclough, head of housing, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Joanna and Natalie, who bring outstanding expertise in their fields.’

Natalie Owen also joins as a housing partner, specialising in property securitisation. Her work focuses on advising Registered Providers on acquisitions, stock swaps and large-scale asset management. Sabina Kauser, meanwhile, strengthens the employment and immigration team, advising both organisations and high net worth individuals. Harmajinder Hayre, head of employment, said: ‘Sabina’s reputation as a “go to” specialist immigration lawyer in the West Midlands is well established.’

Managing partner Steven Petrie described the Birmingham launch as ‘a significant milestone’, adding: ‘These appointments mark the start of building a team that reflects our commitment to the West Midlands.’ The new office is Ward Hadaway’s first outside the North of England and part of a wider strategy to double turnover in the next decade.

Image caption: Experienced partners Joanna Lee-Mills, Sabina Kauser and Natalie Owen (centre) appointed at Ward Hadaway’s new Birmingham office, alongside some of Ward Hadaway’s senior team.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Taylor Rose—Jessica Draganescu & Emily Hewlett

Taylor Rose—Jessica Draganescu & Emily Hewlett

Firm strengthens growth strategy and group litigation capability with senior hires

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Farrer & Co—Richard Lane

Londstanding London firm appoints new senior partner

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Bird & Bird—Sue McLean

Commercial team in London welcomes technology specialist as partner

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