Member News
Leading law firm Ward Hadaway has announced 13 new appointments across its offices, including seven in Newcastle, reinforcing its commitment to growth under managing partner Steven Petrie. The appointments add to the nearly 500-strong team at the full-service firm, one of the leading independent practices in the UK.
The Newcastle appointments include director Jennifer Patterson, who rejoins the multi-disciplinary real estate department after an 18-month hiatus. She brings an invaluable depth and breadth of experience to the firm's dedicated public sector property team, one of the largest in the North East.
Jennifer previously worked at the firm for seven years, after joining as an associate in 2016. Prior to joining Ward Hadaway, Jennifer worked in-house for one of the country’s largest county councils. She now specialises primarily in the education, healthcare and local authority sectors.
Additionally, six solicitors and paralegals have joined the Newcastle team in the corporate finance, debt, housing, real estate, and family teams.
Managing partner Steven Petrie commented; “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our new people who have joined us across our offices. Our ambitious growth plans are strengthened by these skilled legal professionals, enhancing our full-service offering.
“Attracting such talent reflects our reputation as an employer of choice and all our new team members are aligned around our values of being straightforward, respectful and ambitious. Each individual is a specialist in their field and supports our vision to deliver exceptional client experiences. It’s a pleasure to have them onboard.”
Steven, who became managing partner in April 2024, recently outlined the firm’s goal to double in size over the next decade, expanding its national footprint.
Director Jennifer Patterson said; “I’m delighted to rejoin Ward Hadaway at this exciting time in the company’s journey. It’s the place where I have spent the majority of my career and has always been a firm with clear ambitions and a focus on developing its people and supporting them to be their very best; the culture here fits perfectly with my values. The real estate team’s reputation is outstanding, and the opportunity to help drive its growth was compelling. It’s great to be back.”
