Top 100 UK law firm Ward Hadaway has announced 5 promotions in the North East, including Hollie Ball and Tom Shears to partner.
The promotions form part of a wider round of 19 across the firm, highlighting Ward Hadaway’s focus on developing talent from within. Nearly half of those promoted this year started their legal careers with Ward Hadaway, including Hollie, whose promotion from trainee solicitor to partner reflects the progression people can make at Ward Hadaway.
The 5 North East promotions span the firm’s commercial dispute resolution, employment, private client and real estate teams.
Steven Petrie, Managing Partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “These promotions recognise the hard work, professionalism and commitment shown by colleagues across the whole business.
“It is particularly pleasing to see so many people who started their legal careers with Ward Hadaway continuing to develop and progress with the firm. Nearly half of those promoted this year trained with us, including Hollie Ball, whose promotion from trainee to partner shows the long-term career path people can build here.
“That progression reflects the culture we work hard to maintain. People are given responsibility, supported by experienced colleagues and encouraged to keep developing at every stage of their careers. It is also a reflection of the time and care that goes into training, supervision and mentoring across the firm.
“Each of those promoted has made a strong contribution to the firm, our clients and their teams. Their progression is very well deserved, and I am confident they will continue to play an important role in Ward Hadaway’s growth.”
The North East promotions are as follows:
- Matthew Brady (Associate) in the Commercial Dispute Resolution department
- Hollie Ball (Partner) and Tom Shears (Partner) in the Employment department
- Heather Armstrong (Managing Associate) in the Private Client department
- Sam Watts (Associate) in the Real Estate department
Nick Gholkar, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway’s Newcastle office, said: “These promotions are very well deserved and reflect the strength of talent we have in Newcastle.
“Hollie and Tom’s move to partner is an important milestone for the employment team and for the wider office, while Matthew, Heather and Sam have each shown the quality, commitment and client focus we want to recognise and support.
“Ward Hadaway has a long history in the North East, and the addition of our Teesside office through merger with The Endeavour Partnership last year only adds to that strong pedigree. Developing people within the business is a key part of our shared heritage, and the people recognised this year show the depth of talent coming through across our teams.”
Ward Hadaway employs nearly 600 people across its national network of offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester and Teesside.
