THERE have been celebrations at regional law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys with promotions and trainees achieving their qualification as solicitors.

Marianne Normington, who joined Worcester headquartered HCR in 1998, wanted to be able to work and study at the same time, so chose a different route into the legal profession, pursuing a CILEX qualification, which is similar to an apprenticeship. She said: “I am the first associate legal executive in the firm and I am delighted that my hard work and effort have paid off, not only for myself but also paving the way for others to follow this route.”

Jessica Poad, who specialises in IT and intellectual property issues in the firm’s commercial department, becomes a senior associate and Alexandra Cooper, Tom Kirkhope and Ms Normington move up to associate level.

Ms Cooper, who works in commercial litigation, on issues ranging from professional negligence to breach of contract and fraud, works for both companies and individuals. Mr Kirkhope, who joined the firm in 2011, works in the private client team, helping people with wills, trusts and probate as well as Powers of Attorney. Ms Normington has been working in the family law team for some years, especially handling divorce issues.

Rod Thomas, the firm’s managing partner, said: “Promotion is a real achievement for all those concerned and we congratulate them all. Marianne’s progress, in particular, is an excellent example of how a career can develop and grow within the firm. We are also glad to see so many of our trainees remaining with us after qualification this year. It is further evidence of the breadth and depth of experience which they can gain here.”

Joining those who are celebrating promotion are those who have qualified as solicitors after their training: Kate Higgins and Catherine Booton, who will work in commercial property; Hailey Nip, Kirsty White and Ian Seymour, who are based in the litigation team; Katie Bell, Nerys Thomas and Reiss Taylor who work in probate and Mohammed Abbas, who will work in the corporate team.