Bristol-based law firm Burges Salmon has made up seven new partners from within the firm as it continues to grow in the UK and international markets.
The seven promotions, effective from May 1, represent a 10% increase to the existing partnership and is the largest-ever single round of internal partner promotions at the firm, taking the total number of partners to 77.
The promotions are across a number of the firm’s highly-regarded teams, including commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, pensions, planning and private client & wealth structuring.
Managing partner Peter Morris said: “These appointments clearly demonstrate our commitment to keeping organic growth at the heart of our business strategy.
"Each of these individuals is an exceptional lawyer who will have an important part to play in Burges Salmon’s future growth.
“Together their unique skills will bolster an already broad-based, talented partnership which aims to lead the firm in continually exceeding clients’ expectations and competing with the very best in the legal sector."
The seven partner promotions will be:
Will Woodall. Real Estate, including commercial property investment and renewables
Matt Ramus. Commercial, including niche expertise in outsourcing and infrastructure
Liz Dunn. Planning, including energy, agriculture and infrastructure
Michael Hayles. Pensions, including extensive public sector experience
Andrew Burnette. Litigation, including professional negligence and fraud
Sarah Woodsford. Family law, including work with substantial or complex assets
Jim Aveline. Wealth structuring, including work with UK and offshore clients
Mr Morris added: “In the continued challenging economic environment, it is very satisfying to see the rewards of our investment in training and retaining quality lawyers.
“Four of these new partners completed their training contracts at Burges Salmon and have chosen to build their long-term career here.”
Alongside those appointed from within, the firm also made a series of strategic lateral hires during 2011 including real estate specialist Philip Beer, who joined from Simmons & Simmons to head up the rail property team, and Kevin Kennedy, who returned to Burges Salmon having trained with the firm and has since developed a national reputation as an agricultural and private client litigator.
Kari McCormick joined to focus on complex multi-party disputes for insurance companies, banks and corporates, having previously been a partner at Clifford Chance. Finally, sports litigator Mark Gay joined from DLA Piper where he had been head of the Sports Group.
Elsewhere, the firm also recruited UK, EU and international competition law specialist Matthew O’Regan, from Freshfields' Brussels office.
The latest round of partner promotions and appointments will support the firm’s consolidation and growth across a number of industry sectors including energy, infrastructure, financial services and real estate.
