Law firm makes string of promotions

The Birmingham office of law firm Shakespeare Martineau has made a raft of internal promotions.

Michael Young, Chris Williams, Kerry Russell and Afreen Cole have all been promoted to legal director.

Young and Williams are both litigation and dispute resolution experts. Russell specialises in intellectual property and Cole acts for a number of banks and corporate entities in the corporate team.

Kerry Russell

Meanwhile, Gurjit Singh and Matthew Jones have been promoted to associate, supporting the residential development and commercial property teams, respectively.

The West Midlands updates are among 13 firm-wide, non-partner promotions.

Jo Deffley, partner and regional head – West Midlands, said: “Unlocking the potential of our people is fundamental to our growth, promoting and recognising our internal talent is hugely important to us.

“I’m really proud to see so many rising stars within our teams and thrilled to see that they are receiving well deserved recognition and reward for their hard work.

“Every region, business and individual has taken a hit during lock down, whether that be financially or emotionally, and it’s at times like these that it’s even more important we celebrate success.”

The Birmingham office has also seen changes in its family team. Helen Bowns, a partner with more than 20 years’ experience has taken on the role of head of family, supporting Anne Tromans who took on the role head of wealth in the firm’s organisation restructure earlier this year. Supporting the growing family team is the appointment of a new legal director, Prem Ahark.

The promotions follow on from the firm’s senior leadership restructure back in March this year and is part on an on-going growth strategy.