The onset of spring has seen a series of private client announcements from firms, with IDR Law expanding into London, Boodle Hatfield unveiling its latest promotions, and Steele Raymond expanding its southern presence with the acquisition of Williams Thompson.
Specialist contentious probate firm IDR Law Minority PE backed IDR Law, opening its Fetter Lane office in London on 1 April, which the firm says marks a significant step in its national growth.
Situated at the heart of the legal district, the London office will join existing hubs in Harrogate and Manchester, staffed by a national team of 25 specialist contentious probate experts.
“Opening an office in London was, in the end, inevitable,” IDR Law founder and CEO Martin Holdsworth said. “We have ambitious but grounded plans to gather the best contentious probate lawyers in the UK into our team to service an ever-increasing number of clients from B2B referrers.”
As part of the London expansion, IDR Law is actively recruiting experienced contentious probate specialists. All new team members will have access to IDRU, the firm’s proprietary online training platform, which provides structured learning pathways, technical development resources, and the tools to build a long-term career in contentious probate law.
London firm Boodle Hatfield has unveiled its latest round of promotions, with Clare Pooley and Michael Duffy (pictured) both promoted to partner in the Private Client & Tax team.
Pooley has an international practice advising high net worth individuals, families, and family offices on wealth preservation, succession planning and governance strategies. Duffy advises on domestic and offshore private client matters, focusing on complex trust structuring and governance as well as cross border succession planning.
Senior associate promotions include Alex Gamble and Jessica Woolard in Private Client & Tax. Gamble focuses on international and domestic tax and succession planning for UHNW individuals, families and trustees, while Woolard specialises in domestic and international trust and estate disputes.
Senior partner Andrea Zavos said: “These well-deserved promotions reflect the strength and depth of talent across the firm. Those promoted have each demonstrated excellent judgement, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to client service. We look forward to seeing them continue to develop their careers whilst contributing to the firm’s success.”
Bournemouth-based firm Steele Raymond has expanded is central south footprint with the acquisition of long-established Christchurch, Dorset firm Williams Thompson, whose lawyers will join Steele Raymond’s existing teams.
Clients will continue to be served from Williams Thompson’s Christchurch offices, maintaining a local presence while offering clients a broader platform of connected specialist teams.
Jennifer Rogerson, managing partner at Steele Raymond, said: “The addition of Williams Thompson builds on the momentum created by our Reeves James acquisition last May. As always, our growth is guided by client need. Williams Thompson is a highly regarded Christchurch practice and a strong fit in terms of quality, values and client care.
David Orr, head of private client at Williams Thompson, said: “Our clients value long-term relationships, trusted advice and local understanding. Joining Steele Raymond allows us to keep that local service and give clients deeper support across a wider range of legal needs. It also gives our people the platform to develop as part of a full-service firm with a strong reputation for quality.”
