North West law firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP has promoted four legal experts as Partners. They are solicitors Victoria Melling, Gwyneth John, Mike Pemberton and Kate Bullen. The promotions mean the award-winning law practice, which has offices across the region in Manchester, Wigan, Bolton, Leigh and St Helens, now has 31 Partners.
Victoria Melling is a new Partner in the Bolton family law team. Victoria joined Stephensons 13 years ago and qualified as a solicitor in 2001. She is renowned for her expertise in advising people with all aspects following the breakdown of a relationship, including the complex financial settlements following a divorce or separation. Victoria is a member of Resolution's Advanced Family Law Panel.
Gwyneth John is an accomplished solicitor who acts for parents, children, family members and guardians in all aspects of the law as it affects children, predominantly care proceedings and adoption. Gwyneth has a wealth of experience and understanding in what is a very sensitive area of the law, having practised in local authority and private practice as a solicitor for 23 years. She is based at the firm’s Bolton office, is a member of the Solicitors Regulation Authority's Children Panel Accreditation Scheme and is Treasurer of Child Concern.
Mike Pemberton is a leading human rights specialist who has had several cases heard at the Supreme Court, including one which led to a change in the law. He also has cases pending at the European Court of Human Rights. Mike qualified as a solicitor with the firm ten years ago and is manager of the Prisons and Public Law Team. Based in the Wigan office, he has a national reputation for his success in acting for clients nationwide in human rights challenges and he is recognised in Chambers UK as a leader in the field of civil liberties.
Kate Bullen is a new partner in the Commercial Property team at the firm’s Middlebrook office in Bolton. Kate has been a solicitor for seven years and joined Stephensons when her late father’s firm, Berrys solicitors from Bolton, merged with Stephensons six years ago. Kate is a specialist in commercial and residential property law and also co-founded Enterprising Women, a networking organisation in Bolton.
On the promotions, Ann Harrison, Stephenson’s chairwoman, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Victoria, Gwyneth, Mike and Kate to the partnership. Each of our new partners has demonstrated total commitment to the firm’s future success and they are all shining examples of how a solicitor should behave: with integrity, probity and dedication.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Stephensons is one of the largest regional law firms in the North West, with more than 350 staff across a network of six regional offices. Log on to www.stephensons.co.uk to find out more.
- Stephensons provides a comprehensive range of legal advice for individuals and businesses on issues such as buying and selling a home, clinical negligence, child welfare, business disputes, debt recovery, commercial property and is also a renowned leader in the field of high profile miscarriages of justice appeal cases and the defence and prosecution of regulatory offences.
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
T: 01616 966 229