A Leeds-based full-service law firm has announced a series of key promotions, including a partner and a director, across its highly skilled and experienced team.
Promotions in Ward Hadaway's Leeds office account for 50% of the firm’s promotions this year, mirroring its overall headcount growth in Yorkshire. This aligns with ambitious expansion plans announced by Steven Petrie, the firm’s new managing partner, to achieve turnover of £75 million by 2029.
Alongside the partner and director level promotions, three were made at associate level with four employees becoming managing associates. Newly promoted partner Phil Edmondson works in the commercial litigation team. Phil has sector leading expertise in advising professional sports participants and stakeholders on regulatory, commercial and dispute resolution matters. He is also a trusted adviser in the fields of professional negligence and reputation management. Phil joined the firm at the end of 2022 as a managing associate and his quick progression to partner highlights the importance of nurturing talent and fostering professional growth at Ward Hadaway.
Emma Digby, executive partner, said “These promotions mark a fundamental step in our firm’s growth strategy and are demonstrative of our commitment to and our investment in our people.
“Our team is pivotal in all that we do and want to achieve and make this firm a truly fantastic place to be. These promotions directly support our dedication to delivering superior legal services by developing our team’s expertise, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving and complex needs of our clients.
“The firm’s values are to be straightforward, respectful and ambitious, ensuring a consistent commitment to quality and integrity in all our interactions. I am delighted for my promoted colleagues, who have shown that they live and breathe these values every day.”
Rachel Blythe, who has over 13 years’ experience of practising exclusively in employment law, has been promoted to director within the employment department. Sarah Stockdale, Sally Popplewell, Olivia Field and Josh Fielding are now managing associates in their respective fields within Ward Hadaway’s real estate, social housing, corporate and insolvency teams. Sophie Smith, Ella Dodgson and Richard Noble who work within the employment, family and real estate divisions, have been promoted to associates.
A fast-growing Northern law firm, Ward Hadaway also has offices in Newcastle and Manchester. Firmwide, 18 promotions have been announced which have been driven by the firm's strong focus on proactive professional development initiatives.
Commenting on his new role, partner Phil Edmondson said: “I’m thrilled to contribute further to our firm’s growth, especially in the rapidly evolving sports sector which needs ever more industry specific knowledge from its advisers. The promotions of so many excellent colleagues highlight our dedication to recognising and rewarding internal talent. This is an essential part of our strategy to attract and retain top legal professionals from across the UK and ensure our clients receive high quality advice from specialists in their field.”
