Former Herbert Geer special counsel Catherine Bell (pictured) has joined Cornwall Stodart as a partner and head of construction. She is joined on the firm’s management team by partner and head of IP, Joel Masterson, who signs on to the firm from Actuate IP.

Bell has held senior associate roles at a number of major firms, including Holding Redlich, Sparke Helmore and Baker & McKenzie.

Prior to joining ActuateIP, Masterson was a senior associate at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Cornwall Stodart has also announced the hire of special counsel Jacqueline Browning from Piper Alderman, who will head up the banking & finance division, as well as two senior associates: corporate lawyer Gizelle Manoli from Coulter Roache, and ex-Allens property lawyer Suzanne Vale, who is joining the firm’s telecommunications group.