A MERSEYSIDE law firm has made a series of new signings as part of its continuing expansion.

The latest appointments by Kirwans mean it has increased staff numbers by more than 20% year-on-year.

Clare Ellison, who has been hired as Head of Family, specialises in divorce work and domestic violence.

She is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel and Resolution, and was previously with Southport firm Hodge Halsall.

Angela Whittick, who joins as a commercial solicitor, has worked for Brabners Chaffe Street and the Northwest Development Agency as an in-house lawyer.

Other new appointments include Lisa Alty, who joins as sales and campaign executive from Brabners Chaffe Street, and will have responsibility for developing and delivering campaigns to help the firm achieve a range of business objectives.

Managing partner Simon Gibson said: “These appointments strengthen some of our key departments.

“The legal world is changing rapidly and consumers – whether they are private individuals, families or businesses – are becoming more demanding than ever in terms of how they expect legal services to be delivered.”

In addition to new appointments, Kirwans has also recently opened a fourth office at the Brunswick Business Park, in Liverpool, and extensively refurbished its Prenton office.