Bakers dozen for Wright Hassall following strong year

LEAMINGTON-based Wright Hassall has made 13 senior appointments, including promoting three senior solicitors to partner.

The appointments follow another strong year for the firm in 2014.

The firm has promoted corporate finance solicitor Steve Halkett, property dispute solicitor Dawn Reynolds and commercial property solicitor Barry Sankey to partners, taking the firm’s total number of partners to 38.

Stuart Thwaites, a lawyer specialising in construction and engineering, has been promoted to the role of Legal Director.  

Lucie Byron, an experienced commercial property lawyer who advises on landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions and disposals and commercial property finance, is promoted to senior associate.

Christopher Jones, a lawyer working in Wright Hassall’s banking and finance division, becomes a senior associate along with commercial dispute solicitor Laura Heeley, who is also promoted to senior associate.

Hannah Carey, Jeremy Fowler, Christine Livingstone, Mitra Mann, Dawn Short and Nathan Talbott are all appointed to associate level.

Richard Lane, Wright Hassall’s managing partner, said: “We are delighted to be able to promote these solicitors, all of whom have worked extremely hard to deliver excellent service and support to our clients.”

Wright Hassall has a 260-strong team including 100 solicitors and 38 partners. Established in 1846, it is a full service commercial law firm advising corporates, SMEs, not-for-profit and public sector organisations.

Pictured back left to right are: Stuart Thwaites, Nathan Talbott, Jeremy Fowler, Managing Partner Richard Lane, Dawn Reynolds, Lucie Byron, Christopher Jones.

Front left to right: Barry Sankey, Steve Halkett, Christine Livingstone, Hannah Carey, Dawn Short and Mitra Mann.

New sales manager for Thomas Guise

WEST Midlands-based Thomas Guise has appointed Mathew Worrall (left) as its new Sales Manager.

The law firm said the radical move was intended to bring in a non-fee earner as sales manager to build relationships with corporate business clients, an area the firm is particularly interested in growing over the next five years.  

Worrall will be working alongside Director Stuart Bailey and Business Development Manager Johanna Morgan in order to establish new business for the firm.
 
His appointment will improve business relationships and ease commercial pressure on fee earners, said the firm.

Stuart Bailey said: “We believe that bringing in fresh new talent in business related areas Thomas Guise will grow from strength to strength in this challenging market place.”

The law firm has offices in Studley, Birmingham, Worcester, Malvern and London.

HallmarkHulme boosts commercial property team

WORCESTER’S oldest law firm HallmarkHulme has bolstered its commercial property team by appointing a new associate solicitor.

Kate Walton arrives at the 224-year-old practice in Sansome Place following nine years with a West Midlands-based firm. Her role will involve the buying and selling of property, landlord and tenant agreements and advising on finance options.

“The service we provide is tailored to the client’s exact requirements, whether it relates to retail premises, office units or factories,” said Miss Walton, who hails from Cannock.

“As a resident of Worcester for several years, I’m delighted to be working for an established and highly regarded firm in the city. I’m also pleased to see that the commercial property market in the county is picking up as business confidence grows.”

Miss Walton, who has degrees in law and history, is using Worcester as the basis for her dissertation for a Masters degree in history, focusing on the influence of women on the economy in 17th and 18th century England.

HallmarkHulme managing partner Rebecca Widdowson said: “We are delighted to welcome Kate on board. She brings with her a depth of knowledge and skill in commercial property and will benefit existing and new clients alike.”

Rebecca Widdowson is pictured left with new associate Ms Walton.