South: Leading lights step up at Ellis Jones Solicitors

Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has strengthened the ranks of its senior team in a double promotion boost.

Caroline Palacio, who is head of Insolvency and Business Recovery, has stepped up to senior associate from associate. Maria Evans, whose areas of expertise include Dispute Resolution, Insolvency and Regulatory law, has become an associate just three years after qualifying as a solicitor.

Ellis Jones is a full-service law firm with more than 140 staff and 17 Partners. It has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: “Caroline and Maria’s promotions are thoroughly deserved. Both are key members of our team and will play important roles in the future expansion and success of the firm. Their appointments will also allow us to provide even greater support for our clients in these challenging times, especially in insolvency and business recovery.”

Palacio qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and specialises in Regulatory Law, Insolvency, Criminal Law and Commercial Dispute Resolution. She is a member of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) and its R3 Southern Region Committee as well as the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers.

Palacio said: “I’m looking forward to the fresh challenges and opportunities my new role will bring.”

Evans graduated from the University of Law Guildford with a distinction and qualified as a solicitor in 2017. She is an associate member of R3. Evans said: “There’s a clear pathway for career progression at Ellis Jones so I’m thrilled to be taking my first steps forward as an associate.”

Ellis Jones Solicitors is listed for its excellence in the latest Chambers UK and The Legal 500 guides for 2021.