Wright Hassall

Midlands firm Wright Hassall has strengthened its planning team with two new additions in Warwickshire.

John Gregory (pictured, right) joins the firm as its head of planning, after previously working as a planning lawyer for Warwickshire County Council. Commenting on his career change, John said: ‘Making the switch from advising a council on planning matters to advising private organisations and individuals is certainly a significant shift but the law is the same. The insight I gained from my previous role will be invaluable when helping clients navigate the planning process and overcome the obstacles that sometimes stand in the way of development.’

The second hire, Rebecca Mushing (left), is re-joining the firm where she originally began as a trainee and went on to qualify as a planning lawyer. After spending two years at Shoosmiths in Birmingham, she has returned to Wright Hassall as part of the planning team under John. She commented: ‘It’s great to be back and with more experience under my belt. Wright Hassall is where I cut my teeth and I’m so pleased to re-establish my connection with the firm.’ She added: ‘The combination of my private sector experience and John’s public sector experience puts us in a really good position to give clients the commercially focused, practical legal advice they need.’

Development partner Joanna Deffley (centre) stated: ‘With the appointment of John and Rebecca, our planning team goes from strength to strength. Their experience, in both the private and public sector, providing expert planning advice to progress much needed development, is invaluable. We’re delighted to welcome them on board.’