Cobbetts LLP has attracted a prominent employment partner to its Birmingham office, as part of the firm’s ongoing strategy to develop its presence in the Midlands.

Ashley Norman joins from Pinsent Masons, where he was a partner in the employment team with national responsibility for heading the firm’s work on equality and diversity. He also led its government sector employment offering. Norman is particularly acclaimed for his work in complex discrimination cases, acting for a number of major clients.

Norman will be joining a seven-strong employment team in Cobbetts’ Birmingham office and will work with partners Kathy Halliday and Michael Gillespie. He is expected to play a key role in the partner development of the team. His appointment adds further weight to the respected public sector offering at the firm, and comes as part of a recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening the firm’s competitive position in key growth areas.

Graham Muth , partner in charge of Cobbetts’ Birmingham office, said: “Ashley has a proven track record in building client relationships at a senior level – a vital skill in our top-level approach to employment law. He is also widely recognised for his experience in the public sector, which fits well with our existing strength in the field.

“We are continuing to invest in a strategic recruitment policy to develop and improve our competitive position. This is a key appointment for our Birmingham office and for the firm’s employment team as a whole. I am sure that Ashley will have a very positive impact on our business.”

Picture Caption: Ashley Norman