Ward Hadaway Welcomes 13 New Legal Specialists
Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed 13 legal specialists across its Newcastle office, strengthening its position as one of the North East’s leading independent full-service firms as it continues to grow strongly.
The new hires join a wide range of departments, including corporate, housing, real estate, construction, debt recovery and private client. They include a partner, directors, associates, solicitors and paralegals, reflecting the firm’s commitment to developing talent at every career stage.
Among the new appointments are Josh Harper (solicitor, corporate), Philippa Gospel (paralegal, construction), Fran James (director, housing) and Maddy Byron (solicitor, commercial). The private client team has also grown with new lawyers including associate Kirsty Allen, solicitor Megan Bradley and head of department Alison Hall.
This latest round of recruitment follows the opening of Ward Hadaway’s Birmingham office earlier this year and the recent merger with Teesside-based The Endeavour Partnership, expanding the firm’s reach and capability across the North and Midlands. Together with targeted growth in key practice areas, these moves are part of a long-term strategy to increase the firm’s market share and extend its client base.
Nick Gholkar, executive partner in Ward Hadaway’s Newcastle office, said: “Our Newcastle office has always been at the heart of the firm and these appointments underline both our continued investment in the region and our confidence in its future. By welcoming talented professionals across a wide range of practice areas, we’re ensuring that clients here in the North East have access to the best possible advice and support, backed by the breadth of expertise across the wider firm.”
New joiners are supported through tailored induction programmes, mentoring and regular opportunities to work alongside colleagues from different offices and disciplines. This collaborative approach is designed to help people settle quickly, build strong professional networks and contribute to client work from the outset.
Kirsty Allen, an associate in the private client team, said: “I’m proud to be part of the team in Newcastle. From the beginning, I’ve felt supported by both the local office and colleagues in other regions - getting up and running quickly, collaborating on work that matters and building a clear pathway for progression.”
