Three new Partners have been named as part of 8 key promotions at top 100 UK law firm, Hugh James.

Employment specialist, Rhiannon Dale, becomes a Partner, alongside Mary Mulhall, who is an asbestosis and mesothelioma expert and Robert Hurling, a Court of Protection specialist

Rhiannon Dale began her legal career with Hugh James as a paralegal in 2008 in the employment and HR services team. After also gaining experience within the industrial disease and clinical negligence teams during her training contract, Rhiannon returned to the employment team, where she qualified. She has progressed through the firm’s advancement process and has now been promoted to Partner within the employment & HR services team.

Speaking of her promotion, Rhiannon said:

“I’m delighted to have been advanced to Partner. I’ve been with Hugh James for 13 years and throughout that time, the firm has been consistently supportive of my legal career aspirations. I’ve seen Hugh James undergo many changes in the time that I’ve been working here and I’m thrilled to be part of its future, delivering first class legal services to businesses, public sector organisations and individuals across the UK.

“This is an exciting time for Hugh James and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my excellent and highly regarded colleagues, not only in the employment and HR services team, but also across the firm, as we work alongside our clients to provide solutions focused, pragmatic advice.”

Mary Mulhall becomes a Partner in the specialist asbestos team. Qualifying in 2009, after gaining her law degree with first class honours, Mary has been representing claimants in asbestos disease cases since 2012 and specialises in mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural thickening cases. Mary is based in the firm’s London office, on Gresham Street, and is a passionate advocate for asbestos charities.

Speaking on her promotion to partner, Mary said:

“Since joining Hugh James in 2017, the asbestos team has grown significantly and is now one of the largest teams in the UK. I’m delighted to have been part of that growth and recognised for my contribution towards this in London. I work alongside wonderful colleagues who not only work tirelessly for our clients, but also help and support one another. It’s a pleasure to be part of this dedicated and dynamic team.”

Robert Hurling moves to become a Partner within the Court of Protection team. Joining Hugh James in 2017, as a Senior Associate, Rob is also based in the London office and handles Court of Protection and Professional Deputy matters, personal injury trusts and all types of financial applications to the Court of Protection.

Robert has an interest in mental capacity law overseas and assists clients with international issues. He’s a member of the International Guardianship Network.

Speaking of his promotion, Robert said:

“I’m really pleased to have been promoted to Partner at Hugh James. Working with supportive and talented colleagues, in an environment that encourages us all to succeed, I look forward to the next stage at the firm.”

Other notable promotions within the firm include Sarah Rice and Sara Tomaszewski, who move to Senior Associate positions and Natalie Lane and Belinda Moseley, who are promoted to Associates. Rachel Jones, who works for the firm’s sister company, Involegal, has also been promoted to Associate.

These promotions come at a time when the firm is looking at new ways of working, having recently announced that it is rolling out a series of transformation plans to drive the business forward – introducing hybrid working and expanding its presence across the South of England.

Hugh James Managing Partner, Alun Jones, said today:

“We have fantastic lawyers at our firm and there is no better way to recognise the hard work of these individuals, especially at the end of a unique year, than through our advancement process. Career development and progression plays an integral role at our firm as it allows us to attract and retain a high calibre of lawyers. It gives me great pleasure to announce these promotions and is testament to their passion and dedication to their practice.”