Hill Dickinson strengthens Birmingham team further

Leading commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has announced a significant development in its Birmingham office with the appointment of Anna Cartledge as a partner in its national real estate team, where she will specialise in planning. Cartledge arrives at Hill Dickinson with a wealth of experience, having spent over two decades practicing in Birmingham and advising on a diverse array of planning matters. Her particular expertise includes biodiversity net gain and natural capital, making her a valuable asset for the firm’s extensive client base across both public and private sectors.

Prior to joining Hill Dickinson, Anna served as joint head of the legal planning team at Shakespeare Martineau. Her recruitment is a strategic move to bolster the firm’s real estate capabilities in the Midlands, aligning with the continued expansion of Hill Dickinson's Birmingham office, which has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2024. In her new role, she will work alongside established partners Ben Acheson and Tim Rayner, contributing to a robust team that encompasses corporate law, real estate, litigation, dispute resolution, and employment.

Fiona Parry, head of business services at Hill Dickinson, commented that “Anna’s appointment is another important step in the continued expansion of our business services group nationally." She highlighted Cartledge’s strong track record and expertise in “complex planning issues – including bringing ambitious phased projects to site,” signalling an enhancement to the firm's offerings in this crucial area of law.

Anna herself expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating that “Hill Dickinson’s Birmingham office has built impressive momentum in a short space of time," acknowledging the firm's commitment to growth in the region. She also noted that the opportunity to join a thriving team with a clear strategic vision was particularly appealing, adding that the firm’s national platform and collaborative culture create an excellent environment for supporting clients with complex planning challenges.

Nick Dawson, partner and head of Birmingham at Hill Dickinson, reflected on the firm’s journey in the city, citing Cartledge’s arrival as a testament to both the progress made and the exciting opportunities ahead. He remarked, “Since launching, we’ve built strong momentum in the city," asserting confidence in the firm’s abilities to attract high-quality talent and develop a growing client base across the Midlands and beyond. Bringing in another experienced partner with deep roots in the local market is indeed a significant addition, and the team looks forward to leveraging Cartledge's skills as they aim for further growth in Birmingham.