Regional law firm Ashfords has announced its 2017 round of promotions, which include a number in its Bristol office.
Bristol-based Chris Coughlan (data protection) and Christopher Freeman (commercial litigation) are among five lawyers promoted to senior associate along with Exeter-based colleagues Morwenna Pestell (real estate), Gemma Essex (construction) and Lara Moore (planning). 
Kerry Morgan-Gould, a specialist in Ashfords’ disputed wills and trusts team based in its Tiverton office, has joined the firm’s partnership. She specialises in advising private individuals, charities and trustees in relation to all matters arising out of contentious wills, trusts and estates.
The firm has also promoted three Exeter staff to legal director – Emma Warren (real estate), Katie Farmer (restructuring & insolvency) and Su Apps (employment).
There have also been 12 promotions to associate including Liam Tolen (commercial litigation), William Hammond (commercial property), Hannah Batten (commercial), Giles Lane (IP), Ross Van De Velde (corporate), Katie Yorke (corporate), Laura Reeve (construction), Michelle Perring (planning), Jo Creamer (professional & financial risks), James Chiodini (projects), Katherine Breckin (property litigation) and Jonathan Hickman (trusts & estates).
The promotions come after the firm achieved a 12.7% increase in annual turnover to £40.6m.
CEO Garry Mackay said: “Encouraging growth and development for our people is a key priority for us and these promotions reinforce the importance the firm has on nurturing talent and providing career opportunities across the firm.”
Ashfords also has offices in Plymouth, Taunton and London.
