Top south east law firm DMH Stallard has announced another senior partner hire in their dispute resolution team.

Nicola Billen joins as partner in the Guildford office and follows the addition of Matthew Akers, announced in February, to the firm's London litigation practice.

Specialising in dispute resolution since 2004, Nicola joins DMH Stallard from Knights and possesses a particular specialism in IT disputes. 

Her notable track record includes acting for a software company over a dispute regarding ownership of its IT platform and source code, which included applying for injunctive relief, a telecommunications company in relation to a dispute over a call-off contract and representing a large corporate in relation to a dispute over financial mechanisms in a share sale agreement.

Simon Elcock, Head of Dispute Resolution, said:

"The firm continues to expand rapidly with new partners of the highest calibre choosing DMH Stallard and Nicola, like Matthew, is the latest top lawyer to make the same move.

"With our dispute resolution practice in Guildford thriving, she is the perfect match to help us build on the dynamic growth we're experiencing."

In addition to DMH Stallard's active pursuit of the most talented lawyers, the firm also announced a merger in January with Griffin Smith, its fifth merger in recent years.

Nicola said:

"When the opportunity at DMH Stallard came up I grabbed it with both hands, the firm is blazing a trail in the south east that was impossible for me to resist. 

"In nearly 20 years as a commercial litigator I have never been more excited to start a new position and work with a team that is so highly regarded in the wider regional business community."