Ellis Jones boosts team with promotions

Ellis Jones Solicitors has announced the promotion of two senior team members, enhancing its commitment to client services and expanding its presence across Dorset, Hampshire, and London. Family law expert Georgina Emerson and Conor Maher, a specialist in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Law, have both been promoted to Partner level after training with the firm. With these appointments, Ellis Jones now has a total of 26 Partners serving individual and business clients, alongside a workforce of over 180 employees, which includes lawyers, legal executives, paralegals, trainees, and staff across various support roles. Notably, 36% of the current Partners, which includes Georgina and Conor, began their careers as trainees at Ellis Jones.

Georgina joined the firm in 2016, qualifying as a solicitor in 2021, and was promoted to Senior Associate Solicitor in the Family department in 2024. She has quickly established herself as a recognised family law expert, achieving specialist accreditation from Resolution for her work in international child abduction and complex matrimonial finances. Her early career accolades include being ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners independent legal guides. Georgina expressed her pride in becoming a Partner, stating, “I’m extremely proud. Having developed my career here at Ellis Jones, it is so rewarding to reach this milestone alongside colleagues who have supported me every step of the way. I am passionate about helping clients navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives with clear, practical advice and compassion. I look forward to continuing to build our Family team in London, supporting our clients and contributing to our firm's continued growth.”

Conor Maher, having joined Ellis Jones in 2019, quickly ascended to Senior Associate Litigation Solicitor, where he has earned significant recognition in his field. He has been ranked as a ‘Leading Associate’ by the Legal 500 and recognised as an ‘Associate to Watch’ by Chambers and Partners. In 2024, he became one of the few lawyers at the firm to qualify as a Solicitor Advocate, allowing him to represent clients in all courts, including the High Court and Supreme Court. Described by the Legal 500 as having an "exceptional reputation for advocacy", Conor is also deeply involved in professional development and community service. He stated, “Becoming a Partner is a huge privilege. Since joining the firm, I have had the opportunity to develop my advocacy and litigation skills while working alongside exceptional colleagues. As Partner, I will continue to provide strategic, commercially focused advice to our clients, helping to develop the next generation of lawyers and playing my part in the firm's future success.”

Georgina and Conor’s promotions accompany Lauren Day’s recent transition to Managing Partner, taking over from long-serving colleague Nigel Smith. Lauren highlighted the significance of these promotions, affirming, “Their well-deserved double recognition reflects our commitment to developing and investing in the next generation of Partners at Ellis Jones. It’s highly indicative of our culture and approach to retention that both trained at the firm. Both Georgina and Conor are known for outstanding technical expertise, leadership and dedication to delivering remarkable service for our clients. As we continue to grow across Dorset, Hampshire and London, it is vital that we recognise such talented colleagues as we shape the future direction of the firm.”