Hudgell Solicitors has promoted eight members of its legal teams to new ‘Associate’ roles in which they will support senior managers in leading the work of key departments across the business.
Chief Executive Rachel Di Clemente says the move has been taken to ensure those in managerial roles are afforded extra time to focus on development and growth strategy of their own departments, whilst adding an extra layer of support and leadership for those working on the day to day representation of clients.
It also importantly ensures people within the business are given greater responsibility, and the chance to further progress their legal careers.
Many of those moving into more senior positions have been with Hudgells for many years, and Mrs Di Clemente says the people promoted to the new roles ‘live and breathe the values’ of the firm, describing them as ‘role models’ for their colleagues.
“The announcement of our very first cohort of Associates is a significant milestone for the business as these roles are necessary to support growth in the departments and those appointed will provide a welcome layer of additional support and leadership to their colleagues,” she said.
“It is a key part of our strategy to recognise and incentivise individuals across the business who are contributing above and beyond their existing roles, and who display an aptitude for leadership and commercial awareness.”
Mrs Di Clemente says Associates will perform an important role in assisting the business to achieve its strategic goals, assisting with line management and supervision of the teams.
The new Associates at the firm are;
Civil Liberties
- Terry Wilcox – A highly-experienced solicitor who represented at the second inquest into the Hillsborough disaster and now leads Hudgells’ work at the Manchester Arena Inquiry, representing two families who lost loved ones.
Leanne Stephenson – A qualified solicitor since 2005 who represents families at inquests and in cases relating to police assault, unlawful arrest and breaches of a person’s human rights.
- Nicola Bailey-Gibbs – With Hudgells since 2010, Nicola is a solicitor who has led the firm’s extensive work representing victims of violent crime and assault through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Personal Injury
- Sam McFadyen – An Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) Senior Litigator and specialist catastrophic injury solicitor who has won repeated industry acclaim for his work.
- Sarah Kidd – A qualified solicitor since 2010 and personal injury specialist who oversees a wide-ranging case load.
Clinical Negligence
- Helena Wood – Recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ by the Legal 500 Guide and a Clinical Negligence specialist who has been with Hudgells since 2013.
- Hayley Collinson – A clinical negligence team supervisor who handles many birth injury, neonatal and stillbirth cases and has risen through the ranks having qualified as a solicitor in 2011.
- Caroline Murgatroyd – An experienced solicitor who has specialised solely in clinical negligence litigation since qualifying in 2009, acting on behalf of people who suffer serious and life-changing injuries.
Mrs Di Clemente added: “These much valued members of our team live and breathe the values of our business and are role models for their colleagues in the work that they do, and the way they go about it
“I am immensely proud to begin the New Year with such a positive announcement for our business, reflecting the significant talent we have across the key departments.”
