New leadership for Housing Management & Property Litigation team at Devonshires

Partners Mark Foxcroft and Lee Russell will take over the leadership of our largest department, Housing Management & Property Litigation (HMPL), after Donna McCarthy steps down this month.

Mark and Lee joined the firm in 2011 and 2015 respectively and take over what is considered to be one of the largest and most established teams in the sector, with a team of over 85. 

Donna McCarthy has led HMPL since 2022 overseeing significant growth, with the team doubling in size and increasing the team’s footprint nationally in London, Leeds, and Birmingham. She has been with Devonshires for over 25 years, becoming a Partner in 2011 and is now planning a career change, although will remain a Consultant with the firm. 

Donna explains: “When I first joined Devonshires as a junior lawyer, we were on the cusp of a new millennium. Fast forward 26 years, I have enjoyed a fabulous career but now is the right time for a second career outside of the law. I will be transitioning into a new role as a part-time consultant to allow me the time to prepare for my next career. I am super excited about my future and the future of the firm, which I know is in excellent hands.  Lee and Mark have played a significant role in the leadership of the department this past year and will continue to offer all of the things that our clients expect of us - excellence in our work, service delivery and client relationships. I cannot speak highly enough of their qualities both as lawyers and leaders and I know that they will take the department on to greater things, supported by our fantastic partnership team.”

Paying tribute to Donna, Devonshires’ Senior Partner Mark London said: “Donna is a true force of nature who has contributed enormously to the success of this firm and our clients. Everyone at Devonshires wishes her well in the next chapter of her career. 

Having had the pleasure of working alongside Mark and Lee over a number of years, I know they are the right people to lead the fantastic HMPL team and I look forward to watching them achieve great things.” 

The 85 plus strong HMPL team at Devonshires operates across the firm’s offices in London, Leeds, and Birmingham. The team now has 11 Partners following the recent promotions of Kerri Harrison and Jatinder Bhamber.