Eight solicitors at Midlands law firm Needham & James have been promoted to associate level - the highest number in one year in the firm's 49-year history.
The promotions have been made as a result of strong growth in all its markets, particularly those for its employment and company & commercial legal services, as well as increased workloads at its offices in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon , Shipston- on- Stour and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Geoff Evans and Natalie Gist become associates within the commercial property department, Alan Dark and Caroline Lee both specialise in employment law, Julie Peel is from the commercial dispute resolution department, Shirley Rabbetts deals with private client work at the Shipston office, Kate Ollis is promoted within the company/commercial department, and Susan Archer advises on social housing matters.
Herbert Andrews, managing partner at Needham & James, said the record number of associate promotions this year reflected increased demand being experienced across the firm, and the need to have in place high-quality people who can take on more responsibility.
" We are committed to developing young talent and recognising the contribution individuals make to the firm's success," he said. "We are always looking for qualified solicitors and trainees with ambition and flair to join us to help build our presence in the Midlands and in niche areas where we have a national presence."
Needham & James was originally established in 1956.
Back row: Geoff Evans, Caroline Lee and Julie Peel. Front: Herbert Andrews, Natalie Gist, Shirley Rabbetts, Kate Ollis and Alan Dark
