Manchester law firm Ward Hadaway announces 28-strong promotions round

Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway, with offices at Chapel Walks, Manchester, has announced the promotion of four lawyers to the role of partner as the firm continues to deliver strong growth across North West and the wider Northern region.

Kerry Adcock, Louise Cannell-Mirza, Melanie Gavin and Laura Gooddy are celebrating being made partners in the Firm as part of a total of 28 lawyers who have been promoted this year. Melanie and two other lawyers are from the Manchester office.

Liz Bottrill, executive partner at Ward Hadaway Manchester, said: “Our team are exceptional lawyers who thoroughly deserve their promotions, which reflect an important milestone in their individual careers.

“It’s important our people feel valued in their roles at every level. The culture here is supportive, nurturing, and friendly. We invest in our team and their ongoing professional development, helping them be the best they can be. It’s important to acknowledge the contribution they make not only to the legal services we deliver but also in making the firm such a progressive, dynamic and inclusive place to work.”

Martin Hulls, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “As a full-service firm, we’re focused on delivering high quality, expert legal support across a wide range of sectors, encompassing all aspects of the law. Our investment in the recruitment and development of our people enables us to achieve this and is accelerating our growth. It’s an exciting time to work at Ward Hadaway.”

With over 450 people in three key locations – Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle –

Ward Hadaway is a Top 100 law firm, established over 30 years ago. The firm is currently enjoying strong growth across all its offices.

Speaking of her promotion to partner, Melanie Gavin, a barrister specialising in healthcare matters, said: “Since I joined Ward Hadaway I have been fortunate to work with some world-class organisations and individuals in the healthcare sector. The firm has fully supported my ongoing career, and together with the rest of the teams in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, we continue to build on the strong foundations first laid down over 30 years ago.

“I’d also like to congratulate my fellow newly promoted partners, this year we are certainly flying the flag for female leadership with women accounting for 60% of all promotions, which is empowering. After working here for 11 years, I can vouch for the fact that for many years the firm has invested significantly in home grown talent and it’s a place that offers fantastic opportunities for all – no matter their gender or background. It is great to see that strategy, combined with proactive career development opportunities also enabling a better gender balance at all levels across the firm.

“There is a culture here that supports and empowers individualism, and a motivation to see others thrive. Our people-first ethos allows us to focus on the best possible client experience, delivered with a friendly, no-nonsense approach, and that extends to how we treat each other within the firm. It’s a great place to work, and I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for the business and for myself.”