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© 2026 Solicitors Journal in partnership with the International In-house Counsel Journal | ISSN 0038-1047 | Images: Freepix, Unsplash and by permission of the authors

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Hugh James achieves record promotions this year

6 May 2026Appointments
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Alun Jones, Managing Partner, Hugh James
Alun Jones, Managing Partner, Hugh James

Hugh James promotes 31 colleagues, matching its historical high and reinforcing its commitment to growth across offices

Top 100 UK law firm Hugh James has recently announced another significant milestone in its history, with 31 promotions effective from 1 May. This latest round of advancements matches the highest number of promotions the firm has ever recorded, demonstrating its continued growth strategy across its offices in Cardiff, London, and Manchester. The cohort includes seven colleagues being promoted to Partner and Legal Director roles, while 24 further advancements have been made across key practice areas.

Among the new Partnership members are Gemma Davies (Corporate Commercial), Louise Gardner (Serious Injury), and Nikolai Llewellyn (Military), who will provide enhanced leadership across both individual and business client services. Additionally, Anna Burns (Asbestos), Eleanor Bamber (Employment & HR Services), James Gratton (Serious Injury), and Rhian Hardy (Asbestos) have been made Legal Directors in recognition of their exceptional expertise and strategic contributions to the firm.

The promotion announcements also highlight the firm's commitment to progression, with 13 colleagues elevated to Senior Associate roles and 11 to Associate. This extensive list spans various practice areas, including Costs, Serious Injury, Trusts & Estates Administration, Asbestos, Specialist Claims, Nursing Care, Dispute Resolution, Clinical Negligence, Environment, Employment & HR Services, Corporate Commercial, Commercial Property, Court of Protection, Banking & Finance, and Military.

The promotions reflect Hugh James' continued investment in nurturing specialist talent. Managing Partner Alun Jones expressed pride in these advancements, stating, “Achieving our joint highest-ever number of promotions is a significant milestone for the firm and reflects the strength of our people, our culture and the continued success of our long-term growth strategy. These advancements are a testament to the exceptional talent, ambition and commitment we have across the firm. Creating an environment where colleagues feel supported to develop, progress and realise their potential is vitally important to us, and we are proud to recognise the contribution each individual has made to the continued success of Hugh James.”

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Top 100 UK law firm Hugh James has recently announced another significant milestone in its history, with 31 promotions effective from 1 May. This latest round of advancements matches the highest number of promotions the firm has ever recorded, demonstrating its continued growth strategy across its offices in Cardiff, London, and Manchester. The cohort includes seven colleagues being promoted to Partner and Legal Director roles, while 24 further advancements have been made across key practice areas.

Among the new Partnership members are Gemma Davies (Corporate Commercial), Louise Gardner (Serious Injury), and Nikolai Llewellyn (Military), who will provide enhanced leadership across both individual and business client services. Additionally, Anna Burns (Asbestos), Eleanor Bamber (Employment & HR Services), James Gratton (Serious Injury), and Rhian Hardy (Asbestos) have been made Legal Directors in recognition of their exceptional expertise and strategic contributions to the firm.

The promotion announcements also highlight the firm's commitment to progression, with 13 colleagues elevated to Senior Associate roles and 11 to Associate. This extensive list spans various practice areas, including Costs, Serious Injury, Trusts & Estates Administration, Asbestos, Specialist Claims, Nursing Care, Dispute Resolution, Clinical Negligence, Environment, Employment & HR Services, Corporate Commercial, Commercial Property, Court of Protection, Banking & Finance, and Military.

The promotions reflect Hugh James' continued investment in nurturing specialist talent. Managing Partner Alun Jones expressed pride in these advancements, stating, “Achieving our joint highest-ever number of promotions is a significant milestone for the firm and reflects the strength of our people, our culture and the continued success of our long-term growth strategy. These advancements are a testament to the exceptional talent, ambition and commitment we have across the firm. Creating an environment where colleagues feel supported to develop, progress and realise their potential is vitally important to us, and we are proud to recognise the contribution each individual has made to the continued success of Hugh James.”

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