A COUNTY law firm has made a number of changes to its leadership team, with a new chairman role being created.

Thursfields, which has an office in Worcester, has created the role of chairman, as well as appointing a new managing director, head of employment and HR business partner.

Current managing director Nick O’Hara is stepping into the role of chairman having led the firm for 13 years.

He will have a focus on clients and business development.

Mr O’Hara said: “It has been a privilege to lead such a successful, growing law firm for 13 years and I look forward to being able to focus on client relationships and steering our business development as we continue to grow our presence in the Midlands marketplace.”

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Michelle O’Hara has been appointed managing director after 14 years with the firm, furing which time she has been involved in the strategic and operational running of the business.

Her role is being taken over by new recruit Helena Morrissey, who has joined Thursfields from Squire Patton Boggs (formerly Hammonds) where she was a director in the firm’s labour and employment team.

Michelle O’Hara said: “Nick’s leadership has been a key factor in the growth of Thursfields and I look forward to building on his legacy with the talented team we have here.”

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Associate director Jade Linton, recently recognised as among the top employment lawyers in the country, becomes Thursfields’ HR business partner and will combine the dual roles of client work and providing strategic and operational HR advice to the firm.

Also joining as a director is Ian Bond, who is heading up the wills and estates department.

Mr Bond joins with experience from regional and national firms in this area and has significant commercial exposure within the legal sector.

Thursfields Solicitors is one of the region’s longest established and reputable law firms, with more than 140 staff in five offices across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

The firm has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Halesowen, Solihull and Birmingham.