South east law firm Gardner Leader has promoted eight solicitors, including four to partner.

GL New partners grid

(Top left - bottom right): Andrew Shipp, Julie Taylor, Niamh Minihane, Suzy Hamshaw

The new partners include Andrew Shipp in dispute resolution, Julie Taylor in employment law, Niamh Minihane in inheritance protection, and Suzy Hamshaw in the family law team.

Associate Hannah Davies has been promoted to senior associate in the corporate and commercial team, and solicitors Cate Beavis (residential property), Hannah Wallbridge (inheritance protection) and Sam Pinder (dispute resolution) have also moved up to associate position.

This is the firm's biggest promotions round to date, and brings the number of partners at Gardner Leader to 25.

Managing partner Derek Rodgers said: 'The significant importance we place on developing our employees is fundamental to our purpose to always deliver great customer service which is why we’ve made these eight very well deserved promotions.

'We’re also delighted to bring such talented solicitors into our partnership, demonstrating the firm’s confidence in continuing to invest in its leadership, teams and its client sevices during these unprecedented economic times. I’m proud to have all eight of these talented solicitors in the firm and to be a key part of our future success.'

The firm has over 135 staff across its offices in Newbury, Thatcham, Maidenhead and London.

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