Leading independent law firm Brabners has announced its largest ever round of partner promotions, with six lawyers joining its partnership following another year of sustained growth.
A total of 36 colleagues have been promoted across the firm, with Daniel Finn, Deepika Raino, Ellen Hawthorne, Hannah Morrison, Mark Gannon and Oliver Andrews, joining the firm’s now 108-strong partnership.
Brabners, Manchester
The six new partners strengthen Brabners’ corporate, regulatory, housing, employment and litigation practices. Their careers reflect a range of routes through the firm, from former trainees who have progressed within Brabners, to colleagues who have returned or joined later in their careers.
Daniel Finn becomes a partner in the corporate team, having joined Brabners as a trainee solicitor in 2014. He advises on a broad range of transactional and advisory work and has played a key role in growing one of the UK’s most active employee ownership trust practices, as well as developing new workstreams in the brewery and hospitality sectors.
Ellen Hawthorne and Mark Gannon have both been promoted within the firm’s housing practice. Ellen is a member of the housing development team and supports housebuilders on a range of matters, having rejoined Brabners in 2022 after completing her training contract with the firm between 2010 and 2012. Mark, who joined the firm in 2018, is a recognised housing litigation specialist, advising registered providers on housing management issues and residential leasehold management matters.
Hannah Morrison joins the partnership in the employment, pensions and immigration team. Another former Brabners trainee, she has established a national reputation for her specialist work in the recruitment and workforce solutions sector.
Deepika Raino has been made partner within the firm’s regulatory and professional conduct team. She joined Brabners in 2023, bringing significant experience in professional conduct and disciplinary matters, and acts for individuals and organisations with regulatory bodies across sectors including health, social care, professional services and sport.
Oliver Andrews joins the partnership in the litigation team. Since arriving at Brabners in 2013, he has developed expertise in shareholder and corporate disputes. He also has a strong focus on the professional services sector, including law firms, and is developing Brabners’ pensions litigation offering.
Within the wider cohort of promotions, 10 colleagues have been promoted to associate, 12 to senior associate and three to legal director, as well as five more promotions in the firm’s support and enabling teams.
As part of a broader investment in senior talent, corporate partner Ruth Hargreaves has been appointed as Brabners’ Head of Corporate, following another strong year months for the team, during which it advised on more than £762m worth of deals.
Brabners has added nine partners through lateral hires in the past year, including recent appointments in real estate and insolvency and restructuring.
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “Our continued growth is built on the talent, commitment and ambition of our people. This latest round marks a record year for partner promotions and reflects the strength of the colleagues who are developing and progressing across the business.
“Daniel, Deepika, Ellen, Hannah, Mark and Oliver have each made an outstanding contribution to the firm, our clients and their teams. Their progression is a reflection of the expertise and reputation they have built, the trust they have earned and the role they will play in the next phase of our growth.
“As we continue to invest in our national platform, including the launch of our London office, developing our own talent and creating clear opportunities for progression has never been more important. This year’s promotions demonstrate the quality of the career pathways we are building for our people, alongside the strength of our culture and the depth of expertise across the firm.”
The announcement comes during a period of strong momentum for Brabners, with the firm reporting record revenues and its ninth consecutive year of profitable growth. Following the opening of its London office this year, Brabners has also retained its B Corp certification and set out a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2040.
