National law firm Foot Anstey kick-starts 2025 by welcoming three new Partner hires

National law firm Foot Anstey is pleased to be expanding teams with three new Partner hires this week. James Clark, Melanie McGuirk and Hayley Steel mark the latest additions to the firm in its ambitious period of growth.

James Clark will be strengthening the firms’ planning and infrastructure offering in the Developer team, bringing extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious planning matters. He is returning to the firm after a tenure at Womble Bond Dickinson. His expertise includes providing strategic planning advice, negotiating Section 106 and other infrastructure agreements, as well as representing clients in planning appeals, judicial reviews, and statutory challenges. He also offers specialist guidance on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK and in the Hall of Fame in Legal 500 for IP in the North West, Melanie McGuirk will be strengthening the firms’ Intellectual Property (IP) offering, and will be based in their Manchester office. She has specialist expertise in trade libel and reputation management, particularly in relation to the adverse or intrusive media coverage of clients’ business interests or personal lives. Previously, she has acted for clients in the retail, fashion, manufacturing and creative industries, helping to protect their brands, product designs and commercial know-how.

Hayley Steel is joining as a specialist non-contentious construction Partner, from Clarke Willmott. Based in Southampton and supporting the firm across its wider geographical footprint, Hayley’s experience includes working with developers and housebuilders, with a special focus on later living and retirement, as well as delivering major infrastructure, clean energy, and nuclear projects. She has advised some of the UK’s largest retail and consumer businesses so has much insight to bring to bear.

Commenting on the appointments, Managing Partner Martin Hirst said: "Investing in our teams and expanding our client offering with top tier talent is, and always has been a priority for Foot Anstey, and we're delighted to start the year by welcoming James, Melanie and Hayley.

Each bringing high level expertise and insights within their fields, we are confident that they will be a valued addition to the firm and our clients. We are continuing to focus on our growth plan over the next twelve months, and we look forward to sharing more successes together."

Pictured from left to right: Melanie McGuirk, James Clark and Hayley Steel