We have made a series of key promotions across the firm, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent and expanding our legal expertise across the UK.
18 promotions have been made across our Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices including two partners and two directors.
This aligns with ambitious expansion plans recently announced by Steven Petrie, our managing partner, to achieve turnover of £75 million by 2029.
In the Leeds office, promotions include a partner and a director, three associate level promotions and four solicitors becoming managing associates. Newly promoted partner Phil Edmondson joined the firm at the end of 2022 as a managing associate. Phil has sector leading expertise in advising professional sports participants and stakeholders on regulatory, commercial and dispute resolution matters. His quick progression to partner highlights the importance of fostering professional growth at Ward Hadaway.
Commenting on his new role, Phil Edmondson said: “I’m thrilled to contribute further to our firm’s growth, especially in the rapidly evolving sports sector which needs ever more industry-specific knowledge from its advisers. The promotions of so many excellent colleagues highlight our dedication to recognising and rewarding internal talent. This is an essential part of our strategy to attract and retain top legal professionals from across the UK and ensure our clients receive high-quality advice from specialists in their field.”
In Newcastle, the promotions include partner Rob Eldon in the commercial litigation team and director Katy Milner within the real estate department. Four solicitors have become associates with two becoming managing associates. Rob has sector-leading expertise in advising businesses on complex commercial disputes and has been instrumental in several high-profile cases. He joined the firm over a decade ago as a trainee, demonstrating the firm’s strength in nurturing and developing talent.
Rob Eldon commented: “Having started at Ward Hadaway as a trainee, I am incredibly proud to take on this new role. This firm has provided me with exceptional opportunities for growth and development. The commercial litigation landscape is ever-changing, and I’m eager to use my experience to support our clients through these challenges.”
In our Manchester office, Hollie Walsh has been promoted to associate within the corporate team. Hollie regularly acts on a range of corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and investments, company reorganisations and refinancing.
Steven Petrie, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said, “Our offices in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle have consistently demonstrated excellence and a commitment to our clients that is truly commendable. These promotions are not just about recognising individual achievements but also about reinforcing our collective strength as a firm. We believe in empowering our people to reach their full potential, and this wave of promotions is a direct reflection of that ethos. By developing our team’s expertise, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape and drive forward our ambitious goals.”
