Leeds law firm announces key promotions as it continues to grow strongly

Ward Hadaway, a leading law firm in Yorkshire, has announced a total of 19 promotions across the firm with a trio of those in its fast-growing Leeds office. The team is continuing to expand, growing by 16% in the last 12 months.

As part of its commitment to providing a culture where employees can develop professionally and personally, Ward Hadaway is delighted to announce the promotion of Kate McLean to managing associate in the corporate finance team. Kate has been with the firm for over a decade having joined initially as a paralegal before gaining her training contract and has played a key role in advising clients on a range of complex corporate finance matters supporting partners Adrian Ballam and Jonathan Pollard.

Rebecca Whisker has been made an associate in the commercial team. Rebecca joined the firm as a solicitor five years ago and has been instrumental in advising clients on a variety of commercial contractual law matters together with a focus on intellectual property law advice.

Natalie Payne, having begun her legal career as a trainee at the firm, has also been promoted to an associate. She sits in the employment team and has developed a great reputation for providing pragmatic advice on a wide range of employment law issues. She also supports Flora Mewies in advising clients on the increasingly critical area of immigration law.

Emma Digby, executive partner in the Leeds office, said: "Kate, Rebecca, and Natalie are all exceptional lawyers who have demonstrated a commitment to providing an incredible service to our clients across their specialist areas of law. It is particularly rewarding to see our home-grown talent develop and grow as people and as lawyers. Our highly skilled and motivated team are the driving force behind our success, and that is why we invest heavily in their training and development. We are committed to enabling our employees to reach their full potential and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Their promotions are very much deserved, and we are excited to see them continue to grow in their new roles."

Managing associate Kate McLean said: “I love the job I do, and Ward Hadaway provides the perfect environment for continued learning and development, enabling individuals to thrive. Career progression is very transparent, and we are each equipped with the support, guidance and specific training we need to progress. The culture at the firm is what really stands out for me – we’re a very professional, talented and hardworking team who share the same values. Regardless of job role or seniority, everyone is friendly, keen to collaborate and always willing to help each other – it’s a wonderful workplace and I’m so pleased to be a part of our growing team.”