Joel joined DWF in Manchester in 2008, with a focus to build the firm's litigation practice in the North West. Having successfully grown the team locally, Joel has gone on to become the UK & Ireland head of dispute resolution, a role which will continue as he takes on his new position as managing partner of DWF in Manchester.
Aside from his leadership roles, Joel specialises in corporate litigation, advising on company law, partnerships, and shareholder-director conflicts. Joel also provides strategic advice both pre- and post-corporate transactions to help maximise deal value including advising on warranty/indemnity, earn-out, completion accounts, and additional consideration.
Commenting on his new appointment, Joel Heap said: "Manchester's business environment provides an amazing opportunity for growth and DWF wants to contribute to the City's success. I'm honoured to take on the role of managing partner in Manchester. Having been part of the business' national and international journey for over a decade, I'm keen to build on our successes, and help drive DWF’s active engagement within the Manchester business community and enhance our market position."
UK & Ireland regional managing partner at DWF, Hilary Ross, said: "We are delighted to have Joel as managing partner in Manchester. His extensive experience and deep understanding of both our business and the local market make him the ideal successor to Kirsty Rogers. Joel's leadership has been instrumental in the growth of our dispute resolution practice, and I am confident he will continue to drive our strategic objectives and reinforce our commitment to the Manchester business community. We thank Kirsty for her outstanding contributions over eight years as Manchester managing partner."
Kirsty Rogers has been appointed as DWF's first Chief Sustainability Officer with a global remit, which will involve working with all locations on the ESG factors in place, including in Manchester.
