Newbury & Thatcham: Gardner Leader brings a unique skill to the business

Law firm Gardner Leader has recruited again, appointing Emma Ladd, associate solicitor, to join the corporate and commercial team.

In the past four months Gardner Leader has acquired five new staff including four solicitors and a marketing manager, taking the team to 80.

Ladd, who moved from West Sussex to Newbury to accept the job, brings 10 years’ experience as a corporate and commercial solicitor. She has represented companies of all sizes, including brands such as BMW, Cath Kidston and Nike, and specialises in a range of commercial law services including, commercial contract drafting and negotiation; the sale, purchase or structuring of businesses; partnership and shareholder agreements; and advising on areas related to competition law.

She is also one of only 1,000 notaries in England and Wales, and is currently the only notary permanently based in Newbury.

A notary is a lawyer recognised overseas as being competent to witness and authenticate certain documents often concerned with land, probate, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business.

On joining Gardner Leader, Ladd said: "I wanted to therefore join a firm that was friendly, professional and offered great career opportunities. Although Gardner Leader wasn't local to me at the time I was happy to move as it is such a fast-growing, forward-thinking firm."

Greg Humphreys, partner and head of the commercial team, commented: "Emma is joining at a great time as the firm is constantly growing and evolving to meet an increase in business.

"With her outstanding record in corporate and commercial law and her notary skills, Emma is going to be a real asset and exactly what we need as we continue to expand."