Expanding law firm, Gardner Leader, announces its latest round of promotions

Leading Thames Valley law firm Gardner Leader has announced its latest round of promotions, including three new partners and four new senior associates, as the firm continues its ambitious growth trajectory and investment in its people.

The firm, which partnered with Clark Holt last year, it’s third merger, has trebled its team to 180 in 10 years and won awards for its employee engagement and customer service.

With a presence in Newbury for over 125 years, the solicitors now have six branches across the Thames Valley, Swindon and London, with 12 specialist teams dedicated to offering specific services to individuals and businesses.

Katie Dyson, in commercial dispute resolution, Sheyi Lawale, in residential property, and Lucy Butcher, a specialist in inheritance protection, have all been promoted to partner.

Katie was listed in this year’s Legal 500 rankings as a Rising Star for commercial litigation and specialises in multi-jurisdiction commercial dispute resolution with experience in banking and finance litigation.

Sheyi handles a range of complex property transactions from acting on behalf of institutional lenders and property investors, managing the sale and purchase of high-value properties, to supporting first-time buyers.

Lucy joined Gardner Leader as a paralegal and qualified into the inheritance protection team in 2008, advising individuals on inheritance tax and wills, the elderly on care home contracts and NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, and charities on estate administration matters.

Sam Pinder, Tim Blackman, Hannah Wallbridge and Cate Beavis have also all been promoted from associate to senior associates.

Gardner Leader’s managing partner Derek Rodgers (pictured) said: “We’re delighted to welcome this latest round of promotions, which is very well deserved.

"I’m particularly pleased that most of them have been with us since the start of their careers as paralegals.

“Developing and investing in our people is central to our business success and we work hard to make Gardner Leader an enjoyable, flexible, and rewarding environment to work in, with the legal expertise to support our growing client needs.

“I’d like to congratulate each of those who have received promotions.

"They have already made a significant contribution to the success of our firm and will play a big part in its future.”