Talent recognised through raft of promotions at Newcastle law firm

International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has confirmed twelve senior promotions in Newcastle, including seven new managing associates and five new associates.

In the private wealth team, Alice Causer and Ellen Rutherford have been named managing associate and Iain Stewart associate. Last September the firm won Private Client Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards.

The real estate team sees the addition of Jenny Smith as managing associate and, in dispute resolution, Lorena Hoxhaj and Paige Lewis have been promoted to associate.

In the corporate and commercial team David Ridley, Oliver Rickett, Todd Rayner and Peter Cantwell have been promoted to managing associate and Georgia Whitfield and Laura McIntyre to associate. Last September, WBD’s corporate team won the Corporate Law Firm of the Year and Private Equity Deal of the Year awards at the 2022 North East Dealmakers Awards. The firm is also ranked top in the North East by deal value in Experian’s league table and M&A report.

The good news in Newcastle is part of a wider raft of promotions with 28 promotions announced across WBD’s UK offices. Last May, the firm also announced 13 partner and legal director promotions, including three new partners and one legal director in Newcastle.

Paul Stewart, UK managing partner, 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 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.”

With 30 offices across the UK and US and as the largest law firm in the North East, WBD has deep roots in the region and its largest UK office of over 420 professionals is based in Newcastle. The firm is committed to playing its part in the future prosperity of the North East and Cumbria by using its local, national and international reach and expertise to benefit the region’s leading sectors, businesses, people and organisations.