Pictured above: (l-r) Sarah Darby, Laura Dyke, Victoria Knight, Lisa Craddock, Oliver Ward Jones, Paul Hunt, Tom Read, Carole Maddock and Laura Westwood

Leading Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons has appointed a further eight lawyers, as it gears up for more growth in 2011.

The largest growth area for the award-winning firm is in dispute resolution where the team is now boosted by three new lawyers including partner Tom Read, associate Carole Maddock and solicitor Laura Westwood who trained with the firm.

Department head, Julia Lowe, said that 2010 had proved to be a very successful year for the team. "It's fantastic to welcome new talent to the firm and to retain lawyers upon qualification. The new appointments will add both strength and depth to the dispute resolution team and demonstrate the firm's commitment to the growth of this practice area."

Higgs & Sons' private client team, which is one of the largest and most highly regarded practices in the region welcomes two new lawyers, Victoria Knight and Sarah Darby. Newly qualified solicitor Sarah trained with the firm.

Alongside Laura and Sarah, Higgs has also retained Oliver Ward-Jones upon qualification, to further strengthen the firm's insolvency team.

Two other departments also welcome new lawyers. The commercial property team has appointed Lisa Craddock and personal injury sees Laura Dyke join the team.

Managing partner, Paul Hunt, says that the appointments are exciting developments for the firm: "A solid business strategy, excellent client care and a determination to make a difference to our clients has ensured that Higgs has continued to grow year on year.

"These latest appointments reflect our growth across the whole firm. We enjoy developing long-term relationships and recruit people who we know will   deliver real value to our clients."