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Two new partners amongst Willans' latest promotions

07 June 2023

We are pleased to announce six lawyer promotions across the firm, including two new partners in our highly rated wills, trusts & probate team.

Rated by independent national legal guide The Legal 500, our expert wills, trusts & probate team is one of the largest in the area, with the promotions of Tom O’Riordan and Rachel Sugden taking the partner count in the department to three and the firm-wide count to 17.

Partner and head of department, Simon Cook, commented: “Tom and Rachel have each made a tremendous contribution to the department over the years; I am thrilled to see them both promoted. Both are technically excellent lawyers and fantastic mentors to other members of our team. This recognition is wholly deserved.”

Elsewhere in our Chambers UK and Legal 500-rated teams, four of our lawyers moved up a level.

Litigation & dispute resolution solicitor-advocate, James Melvin-Bath, has been promoted to senior associate. Senior partner and head of department, Paul Gordon, said: “James is an exceptionally talented lawyer who has demonstrated absolute commitment to his clients and to the firm.”

Solicitors Helen Howes (corporate & commercial), Hayley Ainsworth (employment law & business immigration) and Kristie Silsby (family law) all become associates.

Managing partner, Bridget Redmond, said: “It’s a pleasure to congratulate our brilliant lawyers on their well-deserved promotions. Each displays the qualities that are at the core of our firm – outstanding legal brains and real client focus. We look forward to watching them all progress further in their careers at Willans.”

With over 100 people now employed at our Cheltenham offices – and having recently achieved our 15th consecutive year of Lexcel accreditation, awarded only to top-tier firms – we are a trusted provider of practical and personal legal support, having assisted businesses, people, charities and not-for-profit organisations based locally, nationally and overseas for more than 75 years.

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