Ward Hadaway bolsters social housing team in Manchester with director hire

Ward Hadaway has extended its social housing offering with the appointment of a director in its Manchester office.

Melanie Dirom brings with her more than 19 years’ experience working as a housing lawyer.

At her previous firm she was a partner in the housing team specialising in civil and contentious property litigation for landlords and local authorities in the housing and regeneration sectors.

Dirom said: “It feels great to be back in a firm that specialises and focuses on social housing and where sector specialisms are valued. This is a great career move for me and I am looking forward to working with the firms’ existing housing providers, construction companies and local authorities and growing this offer across the North West region.

“I will bring my experience of being a busy housing practitioner to Ward Hadaway. I have a very broad working knowledge and experience of all things housing but also have a strong interest and practice in leasehold disputes”.

John Murray, partner and head of social housing at the firm’s Leeds office, said: “I am delighted to welcome Melanie to the social housing team. She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge that will further strengthen our offer to new and existing clients, particularly in the Manchester area.

“She is a very highly regarded professional within the sector across the Northern region. I’m looking forward to working with her.”