A regional law firm has announced a raft of nine promotions among key staff - eight women and one man - to help steer its development of client services and growth.

Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has offices in Ringwood, Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage, Broadstone, Wimborne and London, has appointed solicitors Katy Sewell and Nicola Hall as Partners.

Both work in the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Probate department, with Katy working from Ringwood and Nicola from Wimborne.

At the same time, Bournemouth-based Family Law solicitors Georgina Emerson and Lauren Harley, and Chartered Legal Executive Diane Vincent, who works in Will, Trusts & Probate at the Poole office, become Senior Associates.

Four solicitors have been promoted to Associate level. Family Law specialist Georgina McWilliam makes the grade in Bournemouth while Danielle-Elyse Fordham-Parsons, another expert in Wills, Trusts & Probate, steps up in Swanage.

At the London office, the new Associates are Business Services lawyer Clementine Saulnier and Daniel Lewis, a member of the firm’s Banking & Finance Litigation team.

Ellis Jones Managing Director Nigel Smith said:

“Congratulations to all nine appointees on their much-deserved promotions. They joined us having qualified at various times in the past 17 years or so and each continually demonstrates a level of legal acumen that we are keen to foster and grow to help our clients."

“Among them, there is a depth of expertise covering essential specialisms ranging from family disputes involving children to contracts governing cryptocurrency transactions."

“For some appointees, their knowledge and skills have drawn independent praise and recommendations in the annual Legal 500 industry guide."

“From the point of view of clients and prospective clients, promoting these deserving colleagues to Partner, Senior Associate and Associate levels will reinforce our growing reputation as a leading law firm.”