Band Hatton announces promotions

COVENTRY-based Band Hatton has announced a series of promotions. John French, 43, has been made an associate just six years after joining the firm, while Keri Tucker, 24, has been made a trainee legal executive after initially joining the firm as a receptionist six years ago.

Mark Moseley, practice director at Band Hatton, said: “We have a long and proud tradition of helping our employees to develop their skills and progress within the firm.

“The progress of John and Keri underlines our commitment to the professional development of our employees and we are sure they will continue to flourish under the guidance of the practice.”

Band Hatton employs 35 staff and is one of the longest-established legal practices in the city having been founded in 1896.

Shoosmiths tops diversity table for third time

SHOOSMITHS has topped the UK’s leading diversity league table for the second year running. The national law firm finished top of the 2012 Black Solicitors’ Network Diversity League Table, scoring a diversity quotient of 896 from a possible 1,000. The firm also finished top in 2011 and 2006.

Half of the quotient score reflects rankings in six demographic league tables created for gender and ethnic diversity at partner, associate and trainee level.

The remaining 50% comes from responses to questions on five areas of diversity policy and practice: monitoring; leadership and internal policy/strategy; external ‘face’; staff development and support; and recruitment, promotion and retention.

Claire Rowe, chief executive, said: “It’s easy for organisations across all sorts of sectors to talk about diversity, but quite another matter to actually do something about it. Topping the BSN table again is proof that Shoosmiths embraces diversity, and has it as an integral and important part of its working culture.”

Wall James Chappell strengthens Litigation team

ROGER Bishop, a former partner at Challinors, has joined Stourbridge-based firm Wall James Chappell as a consultant.

Mr Bishop will be supporting the firm`s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team, left, as it continues to raise its profile across the West Midlands. He is a senior practitioner with experience of handling and resolving legal issues for corporate, commercial and private clients.

He is being from Challinors by his assistant Tanya Hill-Thompson and secretary Roxanne Watson.

Wall James Chappell senior Partner Jonathan Browne said: “We are delighted to welcome Roger and his clients to Wall James Chappell.  Roger has an established reputation in the Black Country, Birmingham and further afield for his expertise created over many years service to his clients and the community. He adds substantial experience and knowledge to our existing Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team.”