We're still not thrilled about promotions*

Claire Banks is promoted to Partner in our Corporate & Commercial team. A well-deserved promotion following her impressive and consistent work advising on share and asset sales and acquisitions, shareholder and partnership arrangements, corporate governance, charity and education matters.  Her technical knowledge and practical approach to complex corporate matters continues to provide outstanding value to our clients.  Claire is based in our Peterborough office.

Sophie Askew is promoted to Partner in our Employment team, based in our London office.  Sophie’s expertise in employment tribunal claims, redundancy processes, TUPE transfers, and settlement agreements has established her as a go-to advisor for employment law matters. In addition, she has been instrumental in setting up our Investigation service, which continues to go from strength to strength. Her ability to deliver clear, practical advice on complex employment issues makes her partnership well-deserved.

Ellen Eley is now a Managing Associate in our Wealth Preservation team. Ellen’s expertise spans the full spectrum of private client work, including Will preparation, estate planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trust administration, and complex estate administration. As a fully qualified Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) member, Ellen brings specialist knowledge to her varied caseload. Her ability to provide clear, accessible advice on complex matters and her appreciation for inter-generational planning continue to earn the trust of clients and colleagues alike. Ellen leads our Cambridge Wealth Preservation team.

Emily Rawlinson steps up to Business Development Executive, bringing her exceptional talent for launching exciting new strategic campaigns and leading our PR initiatives. Emily’s analytical approach to business development data has provided valuable insights that drive our market strategy forward. Her creative vision, combined with her methodical work style, continually impresses.

In addition, Rebecca Austin takes on the role of General Counsel.  Rebecca joined us in early 2022 as Head of Risk & Compliance, bringing a refreshingly practical approach to fostering a culture of sound compliance practice to underpin excellent client service. As her responsibilities expanded, Rebecca’s role evolved into that of General Counsel, which we are pleased to formalise.

Similarly, Maria Corneli’s title changes to Associate (Licenced Conveyancer) as she has now completed the Level 6 Diploma in Conveyancing Law and Practice and the required two-year training to qualify as a Licensed Conveyancer.  Maria is a hugely valuable member of our Residential Property team and we are incredibly proud of her success.

Our Managing Partner, Robert Dillarstone, admits: “We maintain our tradition of not being ‘thrilled’ about these promotions!  Everyone says they’re thrilled about promotions, and we’re so much more excited than that to see these brilliant team members progress in their careers. Claire, Sophie, Ellen, and Emily, you are fantastic. Your exceptional contributions to our clients and our firm merit nothing less.  We want to extend the warmest congratulations to each and every one of you.  Your hard work, dedication, and sheer talent have propelled you to new heights, and we couldn’t be prouder to have you as part of our team.  Here’s to your continued success and all the amazing things yet to come.”

And if you fancy working with a law firm that is excited about your success, you need to get in touch with Sam Bunn in our Talent team at sbunn@greenwoods.co.uk.

All promotions are effective from 1 May 2025.