James Southworth and Matthew Forrest have joined law firm Hill Dickinson.

Southworth, a specialist in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, has left Clifford Chance for a role as partner at Hill Dickinson.

Forrest, a property litigation and dispute management specialist, has been appointed assistant solicitor at Hill Dickinson.

Both Southworth and Forrest will be based at Hill Dickinson's Liverpool office.

Noel Fagan, Hill Dickinson head of litigation, commented: “We are delighted to welcome James and Matthew to the firm as key assets in our growing litigation practice. They each bring substantial expertise in their respective fields and, as such, will further enhance our litigation offering markedly. Their appointments are a very positive start to the New Year.”