Leading UK law firm Burges Salmon has made up seven new partners from within the firm, as it continues to go from strength to strength in both UK and international markets.
The seven promotions, effective 1st May 2012, represent a 10% increase to the existing partnership and will be made across a number of the firm’s highly regarded teams including commercial, dispute resolution, real estate, pensions, planning and private client & wealth structuring.
This represents the largest ever single round of internal partner promotions for the firm, taking the total number of partners to 77.
“These appointments clearly demonstrate our commitment to keeping organic growth at the heart of our business strategy,” says managing partner Peter Morris. “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 & renewables
Matt Ramus Commercial, including niche expertise in outsourcing & infrastructure
Liz Dunn Planning, including energy, agriculture & infrastructure
Michael Hayles Pensions, including extensive public sector experience
Andrew Burnette Litigation, including professional negligence & fraud
Sarah Woodsford Family Law, including work with substantial or complex assets
Jim Aveline Wealth Structuring, including work with both UK and offshore clients
“In the continued challenging economic environment, it is very satisfying to see the rewards of our investment in training and retaining quality lawyers,” continues Peter. “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 since developed a national reputation as an agricultural and private client litigator.
Bristol Law Society is delighted that former BLS Council member, Jim Aveline, is one of those raised to Partner level.
