NW trio among legal Hot 100

THREE North West women lawyers have been rated in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 of legal talent.

After just six months in the hot seat at Manchester-based Pannone, managing partner Emma Holt is ranked in the management category of the guide, and is described as a ‘force for change’ for what she has already achieved.

Since succeeding Steven Grant last July, Ms Holt has begaun a major overhaul of Pannone including the formation of a new executive board and the restructure of fee earning departments into five divisions.

She said: “I am delighted to have been nominated in the management category among such inspirational leaders in the profession.

“These are very exciting times for Pannone. Our diverse offering and strategic growth plans puts us in an excellent position to embrace all the opportunities in the legal market.”

JMW partner Charlotte Harris, pictured, whose success in 2010 was described as a ‘annus mirabilis’, is ranked in the media category.

Her high profile clients include publicist Max Clifford – for whom she won a key case against the News of the World.

Joy Kingsley, senior partner at JMW Solicitors, and a previous Hot 100 nominee said: “We are pleased to see that Charlotte has been listed in the Lawyer’s Hot 100 but this is not a surprise as she is very talented and Manchester’s most well-known media lawyer.

“Understandably, much of Charlotte’s media law work is now London based particularly  since she represented Max Clifford  in his legal action against the News of the World over phone hacking allegations.” 

The Hot 100, which recognises  “those who make a difference in the legal profession”, also features Natalie Wignall, general counsel at Liverpool Football Club.

Ms Wignall, who joined the sporting institution in 2009 as its first-ever general counsel, is described as having had a ‘baptism of fire’ in her role.

Last year was a dramatic year for Liverpool FC with the sacking of manager Rafa Benitez and last autumn’s takeover by New England Sports Ventures.