Ward Hadaway announces 22 promotions as firm continues to expand

A leading national law firm has announced 22 promotions across its offices, including two new partners.

The appointments at Ward Hadaway span a range of practice areas reflecting the firm’s continued investment in talent and commitment to supporting career progression.

The promotions, across three of the firm’s offices in Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle, highlight its continued strong growth and ambitions to further build its profile and presence as a leading independent full-service law firm. They also showcase the success of Ward Hadaway’s approach to retaining and attracting talent, with several of those promoted having joined as trainees, alongside more recent recruits who have chosen to develop their careers at the firm.

This year’s partner promotions are James Donnelly (Health and Care Advisory, Newcastle) and Oliver Bagnall (Housing, Manchester). In total, the firm has promoted 10 associates, seven managing associates, three directors, and two partners across its offices. They span teams including Corporate Recovery and Insolvency, Construction, Social Housing, Employment, Real Estate, Company Commercial, Public Sector, Health and Care Advisory, Private Client, Children, Corporate Finance, Commercial Litigation, Housing and Matrimonial.

Steven Petrie, Managing Partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “These promotions reflect the hard work, dedication, and talent of our people. We’re incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built where talented lawyers can thrive and progress their careers. We’re focused on ensuring that Ward Hadaway remains the place to grow, and we’re excited to see what this group will achieve in their new roles.”

The promotions come as Ward Hadaway pushes ahead with its national expansion strategy, including the opening of a new office in Birmingham this month and its recently announced merger plans with Teesside firm The Endeavour Partnership. Both moves mark significant steps in strengthening the firm’s footprint across the UK and creating fresh opportunities for its teams and clients.

Donnelly, a newly promoted partner in the Health and Care Advisory team, said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of Ward Hadaway. The firm is growing, the opportunities are abundant, and there’s a real sense of drive and momentum across the business. I’m thrilled to be stepping into this new role and to continue supporting our clients alongside such a fantastic team.”

The firm’s partner appointments come at a time of growing demand across many of its key sectors, as the firm supports clients through a developing legal and regulatory landscape. Ward Hadaway continues to invest in building deep sector expertise, ensuring its teams are well-placed to meet the complex challenges faced by clients.

Bagnall, who steps up as a partner in the Housing team, added: “Ward Hadaway has been a brilliant place to develop my career, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter as a partner. The firm’s supportive culture and focus on delivering for clients set it apart, and I’m proud to be part of its future direction.”

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