WHN Solicitors announces seven promotions

Justine Harris-Hughes joins the Corporate team as an Associate, while Zahra Hanif takes on the same role in Family. Isabella Marfell-Cadmen is now a Trainee Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team. Meanwhile, Katie Wright has risen to Associate Director in Civil Litigation, and Kay Jackson-Leigh has become the Director of People and Culture. 

Michael Shroot, CEO of WHN Solicitors, said “In early 2025, we created a new people and culture team, led by Kay, so it’s fitting to see her progress to director as part of this latest round of promotions. The new team has transformed our approach to structured training and development, helping our people progress while also strengthening our ability to attract talented individuals who share our values. The progression of Catherine, Jennifer, Justine, Isabella, Katie, Zahra and Kay reflects both that investment and their own hard work and commitment to putting clients at the heart of everything they do. As the firm continues to grow and evolve, many of our people are taking on greater responsibility and it’s important that we continue to create new opportunities for them to develop their careers with WHN. These promotions are thoroughly deserved and a great reflection of the talent we have across the firm.”

The promotions signify WHN’s expanding presence in the North West, further strengthened by its recognition in the latest Legal 500 UK guide. WHN was acknowledged for the sixth consecutive year in the 2027 edition, with five teams and ten legal experts recommended. The Corporate and Commercial team advanced from tier 4 to tier 3, and the firm’s specialist property litigation team maintained its ranking, noted for expertise in commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Employing over 100 staff across locations in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslington, Rawtenstall, and Salford, WHN Solicitors is poised for continued growth and success in the region.