Bristol law firm Barcan+Kirby has appointed three new partners in a move that increases the share of the partnership held by women to 53%.
The promotions of Samantha Castle, Kirsten Hale and Georgina Bryant take the number of partners to 17 at the firm, which has six offices across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. 
Samantha joined the firm in 2006 and became a senior associate solicitor in 2015, providing legal expertise in the areas of personal injury, employment and dispute resolution. Last year she won the top accolade of Lawyer of the Year at the Bristol Law Society Awards and is recommended in The Legal 500.
Kirsten has specialised in family law since qualifying in 2003 and was promoted to senior associate solicitor in the firm’s family division in 2015. She is accredited by Resolution – the association that develops and promotes best practice for family lawyers – as a specialist family lawyer and is also a Bristol Resolution committee member.
Georgina moves up from senior associate solicitor in the firm’s commercial division with legal expertise in all aspects of commercial law. Qualified to practice in England, Wales and Australia, Georgina has accumulated a wealth of experience in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, telecommunications and financial services.
Barcan+Kirby managing partner Bill Willcocks said: “Huge congratulations to Samantha, Kirsten and Georgina, who have all over the years delivered exemplary standards in their work as legal professionals.
“We are proud of their achievements and their valuable contribution to the firm as lawyers and team members.
“As a firm we’ve always strived to match the commitment shown by our staff and in addition, we are delighted to push the female partnership share of the firm to 53%.”
