Hugh James announces key promotions across UK offices as firm celebrates 65 years

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

Top 100 UK law firm Hugh James has announced a significant wave of promotions across its Cardiff, London, and Manchester offices, reinforcing its leadership and specialist legal services across England and Wales.

This year, 10 individuals have been elevated to the roles of Partner and Legal Director, with a further 16 staff promoted across a broad range of practice areas. The move comes as the firm marks its 65th anniversary and continues its commitment to developing legal talent.

Eight lawyers have been promoted to Partner, reflecting the firm’s strategic focus on both individual and business client services. The new Partners are: Christy Welsh (Commercial Property), Ruth Davies, Nia-Wyn Evans and Francesca Bamsey (Military), Rebecca Mather (Clinical Negligence), Ryan Taylor (Private Wealth Disputes), Mark Wilding (Court of Protection), and Erich Kurtz (Financial Mis-Selling).

In addition, two individuals have been appointed as Legal Directors, a senior position introduced by the firm last year to recognise deep expertise and strategic impact. The new Legal Directors are Kirsten Franklin (Trusts and Estates Administration) and Kimberley Sutton (Environment).

The firm has also promoted eight individuals to Senior Associate and eight to Associate roles, spanning key areas including Corporate Commercial, Commercial Property, Housing Management, Court of Protection, Serious Injury, Regulatory, Asbestos, Military, and Trusts and Estates Administration.

Hugh James highlighted its ongoing investment in nurturing specialist talent across its UK offices. Notably, more than half of this year’s promotions have been awarded to women, further expanding the firm’s majority-female partnership, which now stands at 54%.

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Partner Alun Jones said: “Each year, we’re proud to recognise colleagues who demonstrate excellence in their field, a passion for what they do and a commitment to our clients and communities.

As we celebrate our 65th year, these promotions mark another important milestone in our ongoing journey. This latest round of promotions reflects our people-first ethos and a culture where talent thrives, which in turn strengthens our ability to deliver specialist individual and business client services from every compass point in England and Wales.”