Law firm SGH Martineau has promoted senior associate Alison Hancock to partner in the firm's real estate disputes team.
Ms Hancock, a chartered legal executive who joined the firm in 2003, is a litigator working in the leisure and retail sector, and represents a wide range of clients in court most weeks.
The firm said she was singled out for promotion due to her growing reputation for advising a number of pub companies on issues relating to the beer tie and the recovery of property or arrears.
Ms Hancock said: "The invitation to become a partner was really satisfying and I believe it's a testament to the hard work I have put in throughout my career, not just the last 11 years here at SGH Martineau.
"It's an exciting time to be a partner in a business this dynamic, with a clear unambiguous strategy for growth - a future I can now help shape more directly.
"Like many I view my route into the legal profession as an apprenticeship. Combining my studying with witnessing the practical application of legal skills by colleagues on a daily basis, showed me what was possible and what I had to do to achieve my goals."
Emma Shipp, SGH Martineau managing partner, said: "Alison's promotion is just the latest in a long line of recent promotions and appointments that are helping us align the firm’s skills and experience with our sector-focussed strategy.
"The strength of client relationships she has formed over many years, exemplifies the approach that has shaped the strategy we have developed for the leisure & retail sector.
"She is determined to succeed and demonstrates a deep and genuine understanding of the sector in which she operates on an almost daily basis."
Ms Shipp added: "We expect Alison's vast experience and specialist knowledge will help us attract more work from pubcos and breweries looking for her particular brand of no-nonsense, commercially aware and cost-efficient advice.
"Her promotion demonstrates our determination to be an inclusive business that recognises our people's achievements based solely on the quality of their work, the results they deliver and their ability to satisfy the needs of a growing client portfolio."
