Rachel Di-Clemente, Chief Executive at Hudgell Solicitiors
Eight solicitors have been promoted to Senior Associate roles at Hudgell Solicitors and a further two to Associate roles; the career progressions follow on from the firm’s move to employee ownership.
The promotions, across its core services of medical negligence, serious injury, travel, civil liberties and group actions, follow a record-breaking year in business growth and recognise the contributions made by the ten individuals.
The appointments, at the firm’s Hull headquarters and its expanding Manchester base, are made regardless of qualifications or the number of years’ service; one employee has been with the firm 16 years while two others joined less than 3 years ago.
Those senior associates are: Caroline Murgatroyd, Michelle Tebbutt, Hayley Collinson, Terry Wilcox, Leanne Windass, Samuel McFadyen, Matthew Gascoyne and Tracy Stansfield. Samantha Gardner and Abigail Frudd become associates.
Career development that rewards colleagues with varied skillsets
“We are incredibly proud of the contribution that these colleagues have made to our business and the part they have played in our success,” said Rachel Di Clemente, Hudgell Solicitors’ Chief Executive.
“The criteria for a successful senior associate position cuts through traditional conventions of length of service and seniority and rewards business initiative whether it be growth, training and development, financial performance or excellence in client care.
“The promotions include colleagues who have been with us for over 15 years, alongside colleagues who have joined us more recently. It is also an important step in upward mobility as we recognise that not everyone has had the same career and education opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The promotions are equally split between Hudgells’ offices in Hull and Manchester.
Employees benefit from profits
The diversification of career progression at the firm follows Hudgells’ decision to become one of the largest law firms to take the employee-ownership route.
Employees at Hudgells have collectively acquired the majority stake in the business as a group, held on trust, enabling them to become involved in the firm’s decision-making as well as benefitting from profits.
In 2023, at the time of the announcement of the employee ownership trust (EOT) executive chairman Neil Hudgell said: “It’s about harnessing those different mindsets and different ways of working and encouraging the people with the ideas and energy to help themselves.”
The firm is expanding
The firm is also expanding, particularly in serious injury, clinical negligence and civil liberties work.
Hudgells is involved in a number or group actions including representing hundreds of sub postmasters following the Horizon scandal and representing the survivors and families of those who lost loved ones in the Manchester Arena Bombing.
