Hill Dickinson appoints Duncan Hope as a new partner in its Manchester Dispute Resolution team.
- Duncan Hope previously led the national litigation team at Irwin Mitchell.
- This move strengthens Hill Dickinson’s capacity amidst growing demand for mediation and litigation services.
- Duncan Hope brings over 20 years of experience in commercial disputes to the firm.
- The addition aligns with Hill Dickinson’s strategy to enhance their national Disputes team.
Hill Dickinson has formally announced the appointment of Duncan Hope as a new partner in its Manchester-based Dispute Resolution team. This latest hire marks a significant addition to the firm’s capabilities in handling complex commercial disputes. The move is seen as a strategic enhancement to the team, particularly in response to increasing demand for effective mediation options as alternatives to conventional court proceedings.
Prior to joining Hill Dickinson, Duncan Hope was a prominent figure at Irwin Mitchell, where he led their national litigation team. His experience and leadership skills are expected to complement Hill Dickinson’s existing team of results-oriented litigators who have reported an uptick in clients seeking reliable advisory services and innovative fee structures.
Craig Scott, the national head of Business Services at Hill Dickinson, expressed enthusiasm over Duncan Hope’s appointment, citing it as part of a broader strategy of hiring key lateral partners in 2023. “Duncan’s appointment is one of a number of significant lateral partner hires we have made across the firm already in 2023. His appointment adds significant capacity and new client work to our growing national Disputes team,” said Scott.
Fiona Parry, who leads the Commercial Litigation team, highlighted the benefits of having an expert of Hope’s calibre. “The commercial litigation market is buoyant and our very capable team of results-orientated litigators have seen a real increase in clients who are attracted to our trusted adviser approach and innovative fee arrangements,” she noted. This strategy seeks to offer clients practical and cost-effective legal solutions, adapting to the market’s dynamic nature.
Duncan Hope commented on his decision to join Hill Dickinson, saying, “The opportunity to join Hill Dickinson at this point in my career was too good to resist. I’m delighted to become a member of a high performing, award winning, commercial litigation team at a firm which prides itself on acting as a trusted adviser to businesses, organisations and individuals across a wide range of sectors.” His 20-plus years of experience span various aspects of commercial disputes, ranging from high court proceedings to mediation, with a focus on issues such as commercial contracts and professional negligence.
With a law degree from Nottingham University and subsequent tenure at leading national and international law firms like Eversheds and DLA Piper, Duncan Hope brings with him robust expertise and a diverse client base. His legal acumen in corporate disputes, including shareholder disagreements and restrictive covenants, adds notable value to Hill Dickinson’s services.
Overall, Duncan Hope’s integration into Hill Dickinson’s Manchester office is set to bolster the firm’s competitive edge in the commercial litigation market, aligning with strategic growth in the national Disputes team.
Duncan Hope’s appointment is a strategic move for Hill Dickinson, promising enhanced capabilities in commercial dispute resolution.
