Five new partners brings Ward Hadaway’s total to 58

Apr 16 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

NORTH law firm Ward Hadaway has promoted five associates to the position of partner.

The elevation of Richard Butts, Robert Glassford, William Green, Katherine Hay-Heddle and Sarah Jones to the partnership reflects a record-breaking year for the Newcastle-based firm.

Last year, Ward Hadaway saw turnover hit £25m and the firm has won a raft of contracts and new clients in both the public and private sectors. The promotions, which come into effect on May 1, mean the firm now has 58 partners.

Jamie Martin, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “These promotions to partnership are all richly deserved and are undeniable evidence of the tremendous progress which the firm has made over the past year.

“They are a reflection of the hard work, dedication and rich array of skills which all five of our new partners offer and which have been deployed to great effect for our clients.

“They can be justifiably proud of their progress and on behalf of the firm I offer them my heartiest congratulations.”

Richard Butts and Katherine Hay-Heddle both work in the corporate finance department at Ward Hadaway, which carried out a record £843m worth of deals during 2007.

Mr Butts is part of the firm’s plc team and has led on transactions involving clients such as Sage (UK) Limited, China Goldmines and North Star Equity Investors over the past year.

Mrs Hay-Heddle specialises in private equity transactions and has led on deals involving clients such as Bridges Community Ventures, Hargreaves Services and TSG.

Robert Glassford has been at Ward Hadaway for more than 10 years and works in the commercial litigation department. William Green is one of the key members of the firm’s expanding countryside department. He advises the landholders of some of the region’s largest estates. Sarah Jones works in the commercial department and has played a major role in the expansion of Ward Hadaway’s thriving public sector client base.