A Dorset law firm has strengthened its senior team and rewarded rising stars in a ‘super six’ promotions boost.

Ellis Jones Solicitors – with more than 170 staff in six offices – announced the appointments as it continues to develop talent from within for leadership roles.

The promotions are for Andy Kirby to partner, Jennie Hedges to senior associate and associate positions for highflyers Conor Maher, Georgina Emmerson, Rosemary Drew and Tim McMahon.

Andy Kirby, who specialises in wills, trust and probate, has become the first non-lawyer partner in Ellis Jones’ history after six years with the firm and 25 years in the legal sector overall. An accountant by profession, he is a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Jennie Hedges, who has more than 20 years’ conveyancing experience with particular expertise in shared ownership and Help to Buy, has become a senior associate. She is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). 

Conor, Georgina and Rosemary all trained at Ellis Jones, while Tim joined in 2021.

Conor specialises in dispute resolution, Georgina in family law and Tim in litigation. All are qualified solicitors.

Rosemary qualified as a chartered legal executive in May 2020 and works in Ellis Jones’ wills, trust and probate team.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Warmest congratulations to all on their richly deserved promotions.

“We are proud to make Andy our first non-lawyer partner and the 22nd partner overall at the firm while Jennie’s promotion is another example of the fact that you don’t have to be a solicitor to progress at the firm. 

“Our new associates are among the standard bearers for the next generation of committed and talented lawyers, and I am excited to see how their careers progress with the firm.”

Nigel added: “Our commitment to promoting from within with equal opportunities for all continues to bear fruit. These promotions herald another great year for Ellis Jones.”

The appointments come as Ellis Jones was licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as an Alternative Business Structure, allowing it to appoint non-lawyers as Partners and explore opportunities to grow.

Ellis Jones has offices in in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage, Wimborne and London.

VISIT: www.ellisjones.co.uk

PICTURE: LIFT OFF: Ellis Jones Solicitors has made six promotions to start the new year. From left are new partner Andy Kirby, new associate Georgina Emmerson, managing partner Nigel Smith, new associate Tim McMahon and new associate Conor Maher. Not pictured: new senior associate Jennie Hedges.