One of the North West's leading commercial property law specialists has revealed that flexible working has become a critical factor in its ability to attract staff from larger rival firms.

Land Law's comments follow the recruitment of two new staff from competitor firms in Manchester and Leeds.

Ruth Ormrod has joined from Walker Morris as Partner and Emily Butterfield has moved from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner to take up the post of Senior Paralegal.

In addition, property litigator Siân Westby has been promoted to Associate Partner while Louise Belderbos becomes a Partner. Existing Partner Sarah Bonwick also joins the firm’s partnership management team.

Land Law's founder and Managing Partner, Angus Whyte, has explained that the firm's innovative approach to coping with an increasing caseload had been instrumental in building its appeal to potential recruits.

"Like many other industries, the legal profession is having to come to address changes in personnel and society.

"For some years now, we've been adapting and refining our model, and exploring different ways of working in order to keep us competitive.

"One thing which we continually hear is that we're far more progressive in terms of where, when and how we work.

"It's something that we're very much committed to and fully intend to pursue further as we look to the future and develop both our caseload and our geographical footprint.

"Being able to bring lawyers of the calibre of Ruth and Emily on-board and retain colleagues with the kind of talent and experience which Siân, Louise and Sarah possess is an indication that we are indeed growing something extraordinary."

Described as a "noteworthy individual" by the influential Legal 500 ranking, Ruth qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and returns to Land Law after spending eight years at Walker Morris specialising in commercial property ligitation.

Angus highlighted how, as well as strengthening the property litigation team and handling existing clients, her role will include developing the firm’s increasing presence in Yorkshire.

Emily Butterfield recruitment as Senior Paralegal was, he added, a nod to the experience which she had acquired in spells at two of the UK's biggest commercial property firms.

Angus said that the twin appointments increased Land Law's ranks to 45 staff, 25 of whom are fee earners.

They include Louise Belderbos, whose promotion to Partner marks progress made since she joined the firm in July last year, and Sarah Bonwick, who advances to the top tier Equity more than a decade after she was recruited from Pannone.

The personnel changes come months after Angus announced that the completion of a major project had propelled it into the ranks of the region’s most digitally advanced businesses.

He outlined how a “substantial” six-figure investment and more than 12 months of development now allowed clients instant and secure access to important documents via their smartphones.

Angus stated that the technological advances was enabling Land Law to capitalise on its collective knowledge.

"Between us, we have more than 430 years of PQE experience and the means of putting that extensive capability at the disposal of clients both large and small as and when they need it.

"At a time when even a relatively document-heavy specialism like commercial property law needs to move ever more quickly, we believe that we're perfectly placed to press forward."