Birmingham-based law firm The Wilkes Partnership has announced the appointment of a new consultant in planning litigation to strengthen its team, as well as the promotion of two solicitors to associate.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the legal industry, John Hughes joins The Wilkes Partnership as planning litigation consultant.

Nigel Wood, senior partner at the firm said: “John’s extensive experience in planning and development in the public sector, combined with more than 20 years in private practice, made him the ideal choice to develop the planning department of The Wilkes Partnership. We’re delighted to have brought such an asset on board.”

Additionally, solicitors Hedley Adcock and Emma Hutchison have been promoted to associates in the real estate and business recovery teams respectively.

Working at The Wilkes Partnership from his training contract, as associate Mr Adcock will be working on a range of bespoke property transactions for a variety of clients, ranging from private individuals to big businesses.

Ms Hutchison has specialised in business recovery for more than four years and has worked on a wide selection of insolvencies and recoveries during her time at The Wilkes Partnership.

Mr Wood added: “As part of our ethos to provide the best possible service to our clients, we wanted to expand our team in 2012. The addition of John Hughes adds a specialist planning expert as an extra string to our bow, while the promotions of Hedley and Emma recognise their outstanding work for the firm so far and mean that they will be able to play an even more active part in their departments.”