On the Move: PKF Francis Clark; Kerr Office Group; HCR Law; Clarke Willmott

PKF Francis Clark has promoted four new partners, including three who joined the firm as trainees.

They are head of not-for-profit Louise Bridgett, corporate finance specialists Matt Willmott and Nick Tippett, and restructuring expert and insolvency practitioner Nick Harris.

Bridgett started her career with PKF Francis Clark as a graduate in 1997, rejoining the firm in 2012 after five years working in local government finance. Since being promoted to director in 2017, she has focused on growing a dedicated team serving more than 200 charity, education and other not-for-profit clients.

Willmott, who joined the firm in 2007 as a graduate, has been one of the leading dealmakers in the South West over the past 10 years, completing over 100 transactions. Based in Exeter, he specialises in company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts and employee ownership trusts.

Harris joined PKF Francis Clark’s Exeter office as a graduate trainee in 2004. As a restructuring specialist and licensed insolvency practitioner, he advises directors and creditors on their options in times of financial distress, helping to save businesses and jobs where possible.

Tippett focuses on mergers and acquisitions, supporting private and corporate clients on business sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, fundraising and strategic planning. Since joining PKF Francis Clark as a recently qualified accountant in 2010, he has advised on transactions with a combined value of more than £1bn.

The latest promotions mean PKF Francis Clark now has a 59-strong partnership.

CEO Paul Crocker said: “The fact that three of our new partners started their careers with us as graduate trainees demonstrates our commitment to developing our people. I’m delighted to welcome Louise, Nick, Matt and Nick to the partnership and look forward to them playing an even greater role in our continued success.”

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Swindon-based workspace design and fit-out specialists Kerr Office Group has welcomed Sophie Green as marketing executive.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sophie to the team,” said Tom Brewer, head of sales and marketing at Kerr Office Group. “Her diverse expertise will be instrumental in driving our brand forward and growing our presence in the market.”

Kerr Office Group CEO, Alex Kerr added: “Sophie’s creativity and strategic thinking align perfectly with our company’s vision. We are confident that her skills will help elevate our marketing efforts and strengthen our relationships with clients.”

Green said: “I am excited to join Kerr Office Group and contribute to the company’s growth and success.

“I look forward to leveraging my experience in marketing and property to build on the strong reputation of the brand and create impactful marketing initiatives.”

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HCR Law has made a string of promotions at its Cheltenham office, including four moving up to partner level.

James Morgan, Fiona Davies, Lauren McGurk and Paul Grundy are promoted to partner.

Jodele McConnachie and Rosie Phillips are now senior associates while new associates are Chloe Haslam and Emily Dalton-Roberts.

The promotions above are part of the largest promotion round in the firm’s history, with 87 lawyers across the firm’s 10 offices moving up the career ladder.

Rod Thomas, managing partner, said: “I am delighted to share today’s announcement. Each of the 87 promotions represents an individual story of dedication – of professionals who have honed their expertise while delivering a client-focused approach. Many have built their careers at HCR Law. Their journeys are a testament to our firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing an environment where people can grow and thrive.

“As an independent law firm, we remain dedicated to fostering a culture built on a passion for people. Congratulations to each and every one of them – I look forward to seeing their careers continue to flourish at HCR Law.”

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Laura Robbetts

A Bristol law firm has recruited a paralegal to its private client team after being impressed during a summer work experience placement.

Dona Rexha joined Clarke Willmott following the firm’s 2024 Summer Vacation Scheme.

She spent five paid days with Clarke Willmott and had the opportunity to access real work and clients as well as attending networking events and development sessions. Both personal and professional skills were developed and the week ended with a mock assessment centre.

Rexha said: “I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme at their beautiful new Bristol office. I worked with the Property Litigation department, and I could not be more grateful for everything I learnt about the legal profession.

“The one-week placement was an invaluable experience that allowed me to delve into a variety of fascinating tasks, from researching diverse topics, drafting letters and emails to reviewing leases, documents, and title plans. I even had the chance to sit in on client meetings, gaining valuable insights into the wide range of cases they handle.

“Since taking part in the Vacation Scheme, I have now joined as a paralegal in the private client team. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join such a talented team at a leading law firm. It’s been an exciting start, with plenty to learn, and I’m eager to grow professionally in this dynamic environment. Everyone in the firm, especially my team, instantly made me feel so at ease and welcome and I am very grateful for that.”

The scheme has made huge steps forward since returning in 2023 after a pause with a 308% increase in applications and over 65 interviews held.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, an anonymised shortlisting process and inclusive recruitment practices were used as part of the firm’s ED&I commitments.

Laura Robbetts, partner in the Bristol office, said: “Dona thoroughly impressed us during her placement on our vacation scheme. Her legal knowledge as well as her can-do attitude and enthusiasm for learning make her a great fit for our team and we’re pleased to have her on-board.

“Schemes like this are incredibly important to give young talent the chance to work within real environments and undertake real legal work. The Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme is fantastic and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Clarke Willmott’s 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme is taking place from 7-11 July. Open to anyone over 18, successful applicants will gain paid-for experience in a specialist legal team with placements available in the Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton offices.

Applications are open and close on April 5.