Changes at the top for Dickinson Dees

Law firm Dickinson Dees has announced seven key promotions to associate at its Newcastle office.

The promotions range across major disciplines within the firm and include Ian Hellawell, Sarah Willshire and Mark Jackson (real estate), Sarah Thompson (public services), Tom Pringle and Ruth Thompson (Corporate Recovery), and Lucy Pringle (Commercial).

In addition, Vicky McCombe has been promoted to associate in the Construction team at the law firm’s Leeds office.

Tom Pringle commented: “As Dickinson Dees grows nationwide, there are exciting opportunities for ambitious lawyers. I look forward to being part of this in my new role”.

John Marshall, senior partner, said:  “This year’s promotions reflect both the investment we are putting into our staff and their excellent contribution to the firm. The majority of our new associates also qualified with us, so it is extremely gratifying to see them grow in their roles here,” he added.

Earlier this year it was reported that Dickinson Dees was discussing with South West lawyers Bond Pearce a possible merger.

Jonathan Blair, managing partner of Dickinson Dees, said at the time: "Bond Pearce's vision is to compete as a top 30 UK law firm. Dickinson Dees’ vision is to be, by 2020, a top 20 UK law firm. Our strategies, cultures, sector capabilities and geographic footprints seem sufficiently complementary to warrant consideration of whether, in a rapidly consolidating market, a merger would facilitate the respective strategies."

Dickinson Dees has offices in Newcastle, Tees Valley, York and London. Bond Pearce operates from Bristol, Plymouth, Southampton, Aberdeen and London. The outcome would be 125 partners and more than 450 lawyers.