National law firm for life and business Shakespeare Martineau has announced 17 promotions across a variety of teams and locations, including 12 in the Midlands.
Promoted to partner are real estate finance experts Afreen Cole and Hannah Pickering, both based in Birmingham, and debt and asset recovery specialist Katrina Gibson in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Afreen works across commercial and residential property finance, advising lenders on due diligence, title reporting and the drafting of facility documentation. She has particular expertise in Islamic finance.
- Hannah advises lenders and borrowers on a wide range of property finance transactions including development lending, portfolio refinancing and Islamic finance.
- Katrina has operational responsibility across contracts within the debt and asset recovery team, including onboarding, performance tracking and service levels.
Employment solicitor Lubna Laheria, based in Birmingham, has been promoted to legal director. Lubna advises employers on HR issues and employment tribunal litigation, including unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Lubna also specialises in corporate support work.
New senior associates are residential conveyancer Raza Ali in Nottingham; real estate finance specialist Ian Cole in Birmingham; real estate disputes lawyer Selica Khan in Birmingham; legal planning expert Josh Morley in Nottingham; and family lawyer Deanna Phillips-Mills in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Raza advises individuals and companies on the sale, purchase and refinancing of freehold and leasehold property. He has also started to specialise in Islamic finance and Building Safety Act matters.
- With more than a decade of experience in property law, Ian plays a central role in supporting key client relationships and leading major process innovation and transformation initiatives.
- Selica advises on complex land and landlord and tenant disputes, including restrictive covenants, lease renewals and Building Safety Act matters.
- Josh specialises in planning law, advising clients on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters including planning obligations, appeals and judicial review.
- Deanna is a family lawyer, advising clients on divorce, complex financial settlements and children matters. She also advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements as part of clients’ overall wealth protection.
Promoted to associate level are commercial real estate specialist Sukhpal Bhamrah in Leicester, tax expert Stefanos Giailidis in Birmingham and Ryan McNally in the debt and asset recovery team in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Sukhpal has a breadth of experience in commercial property matters including landlord and tenant work, asset acquisition and disposal, corporate support and commercial development transactions.
- Stefanos advises individuals, estates, partnerships, trusts and private companies on a wide range of matters, including succession planning, reorganisations and HMRC representations. His work frequently involves cross-border elements such as residence and domicile, the application of Double Taxation Treaties and UK anti-avoidance rules.
- Ryan specialises in civil and commercial litigation, including debt recovery, defended claims and insolvency.
Victoria Tester, managing director at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do and their development remains one of our most important priorities as a firm. These promotions reflect the breadth of talent across Shakespeare Martineau and the continued investment we make in supporting colleagues at every stage of their careers.
“It is always a pleasure to see individuals progress in this way, taking on new responsibilities and continuing to grow their impact across the business. Congratulations to all those who have achieved this well-earned recognition.”
Photo caption: Top to bottom, left to right – Afreen Cole, Hannah Pickering, Katrina Gibson, Lubna Laheria, Raza Ali, Ian Cole, Selica Khan, Josh Morley, Deanna Phillips-Mills, Sukhpal Bhamrah, Stefanos Giailidis, Ryan McNally
