The Bristol office of transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been strengthened with a number of senior promotions, including a new partner, a new managing associate and three new associates.
The new partner is Lorrae Hendry, Thomas Holdaway is the new managing associate, while Nicola Cotton, Elizabeth Tones and Samantha Bryant are now associates. 
Lorrae, pictured, who is currently on maternity leave, works in WBD’s planning team and advises clients in relation to contentious, transactional and advisory planning and environmental matters across the public and private sectors.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted with my promotion to partner and look forward to taking up my new role when I am back from maternity leave in the new year.
“The support and flexibility I received to enable me to make a partnership application whilst on maternity leave demonstrates WBD’s commitment to supporting its people with their journey through parenthood, without it impacting on career progression.”
Thomas, pictured, specialises in commercial property litigation, advising clients in relation to a wide range of commercial property disputes, including landlord and tenant matters as well as wider property issues including easements, option agreements, title issues, restrictive covenants and interpretation of contracts.
Nicola and Elizabeth both work in the real estate’s planning and infrastructure team. 
Nicola advises developers and local authorities on a range of infrastructure planning matters including highways and renewable energy projects.
She has experience of working on development consent orders and on matters involving compulsory purchase.
In addition to drafting and negotiating planning agreements, Nicola specialises in issues relating to good design.
Elizabeth advises on compulsory purchase, rights of way, environmental matters and planning appeals, having advised on high profile and complex planning inquiries.
Samantha, who specialises in litigation and dispute resolution, advises on breach of contract and claims across a wide range of industries. She has particular experience in the financial services sector and retail sector.
The promotions in WDB’s Bristol office, which is the second largest of the firm’s seven UK bases, are part of a wider raft of 28 promotions across the country.
WBD UK managing partner Paul Stewart said: “We want our people to enjoy long and successful careers with us and we work hard to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and be rewarded for their success.
“Congratulations to Lorrae and to all of our new associates and managing associates on their well-deserved promotions.
“They have all made fantastic contributions to our business and their talent, expertise and excellent client service deserves to be recognised.”
