Berkshire: Gardner Leader on major promotions and recruitment drive

One of the fastest-growing law firms in Berkshire, Gardner Leader, has been on a major recruitment drive as it welcomes several new people including local Maidenhead residents, Michal Freeman-Shor as senior associate in the commercial team and Madia Aslam as a post-exchange assistant. Javeria Tahir will also join Aslam in the conveyancing team in Maidenhead as a support assistant and Nikki Hitchinson has started as new finance manager in Newbury.

The firm, which has offices in Maidenhead as well as Newbury and Thatcham, has also made several promotions within its team of more than 125 staff including Lynn Digby to HR director, Andrew Shipp to senior associate in the Dispute Resolution department, and Julia Brown to quality director. Several trainee solicitors have also qualified to solicitor and three paralegals and one conveyancing assistant are now trainee solicitors.

These appointments and promotions come at a pivotal time for the business, which has seen expansive growth from £3 million turnover in 2012 to £7m in 2017.

Commenting on her promotion, Lynn Digby said “I’m delighted to be HR director as it signifies the importance the Partners place on their staff and the service we offer. My new position will give me the scope to review the firm’s long-term recruitment strategy against the immediate and future needs of the business whilst ensuring that our existing staff are happy and fulfilled in their role.”

Derek Rodgers, managing partner added, “I’m very proud of our team at Gardner Leader. We employ some of the best people who are passionate about providing an exceptional service that brings peace of mind to their clients. It’s therefore important to us that we recognise and reward our employees’ achievements whilst continuing to recruit as the business grows.”