The high-flyers have taken associate and senior associate roles at the firm’s five offices.

Ellis Jones – with more than 160 staff and 18 partners – made the appointments under its commitment to promoting from within and developing the best talent for future leadership positions.

The eight promotions are the highest number made at any one time by the law firm.

Four solicitors have become senior associates: William Dooley, Henrietta Frew, Donna Stevens and Bethanie Watson.

Lauren Harley, Jennie Hedges, Theresa Mills and Jo Tout have each been promoted to associate.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Congratulations to our new associates and senior associates on their richly deserved promotions.

“As talented and committed lawyers, they represent the next generation at Ellis Jones and will make a major contribution to the success of the firm going forward.

“We will continue to promote the best and brightest from within to give our people valuable career progression and provide the greatest service for our clients.”

Senior associates William Dooley and Henrietta Frew work in the banking and finance department, while Donna Stevens is in dispute resolution and Bethanie Watson is from the commercial property team.

New associates Theresa Mills and Jo Tout work in the wills, trust and probate department, while Jennie Hedge is in conveyancing and Lauren Harley is in the family team.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has five offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.