Nurturing Local Talent

The start of 2021 saw several employee promotions at leading law firm Burnetts. Paul Brown of our Medical Negligence and Serious Injury Department, Sharon Dunstan of our Residential Conveyancing Department and Megan Richardson of our Agribusiness and Commercial Property Department have all been promoted to Senior Associates. Whilst Winter Addis of our Wills, Trusts and Probate Department, Sophie Allinson of our Employment and HR Department, Emma Armstrong of our Family Department and Georgina Nicholls of our Dispute Resolution Department have all been promoted to Associate Solicitor.

Paul Brown is based in Newcastle and is recognised for his work in supporting clients with serious injuries and has been recognised in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. He is also the chairman of Headway Wearside, a brain injury charity based in the North East. Sharon Dunstan has specialised in property law since 2000 and has been a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives since 2008. Megan Richardson is a Northumbria University first class honours law graduate with expertise in commercial property and agribusiness law.

Winter Addis is a Queen’s College Belfast graduate and specialises in Wills, Trusts and Probate. Sophie Allison is based in Penrith and advises on employment law, especially in an education capacity. Emma Armstrong works in the family Department in a range of matters including separation and divorce, as well as matters involving children. Finally, Georgina Nicholls advises on insolvency matters and professional negligence, as well as contracts, construction and shareholders/directors.

Managing Partner Nick Gutteridge said: “During these hard times, everyone needs something to celebrate and this is definitely one of those occasions. All of our promotions reflect the hard work of our staff and their embodiment of our core brand values. We are thrilled to announce this news and to demonstrate that hard work is always rewarded.”

Equity Partner Michael Walby commented: “Burnetts strongly believes in nurturing local talent and promoting from within the business. I originally completed my training with Burnetts and I am now an Equity Partner, so I know first-hand how Burnetts support and upskill their employees.”

Head of Commercial Property Helen Hayward remarked: “Burnetts’ success is all down to the fantastic people we have working here; it is always a pleasure to reward hard work, great talent and success and these promotions are no exception.”