Regional law firm Gardner Leader announces 6 promotions

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Top L+R - Lucy Savage, Marie Verney, Ashleigh Wong Bottom L+R - Gail Vallis, Stephanie Newton, Elinor Clifford. Credit: Gardner Leader

Thames Valley law firm Gardner Leader has announced its latest round of promotions with two new partners, Lucy Savage and Marie Verney, and four new senior associates.

Both Lucy and Marie are part of the company's inheritance protection scheme, based out of the firm's Newbury branch.

Lucy has over 18 years of experience and specialises in trusts, estate planning inheritance tax, lasting powers of attorneys and enduring powers, and complex wills. She joined Gardner Leader in 2005, became a chartered legal executive in 2007, and was made an associate at the firm in 2017. Lucy has worked in the inheritance planning team since 2012, prior to this she was with the family team.

Marie has been a solicitor for over 20 years, becoming fully qualified in 2002. She specialises in estate planning, wills and asset protection, the administration of estates both taxable and non-taxable, powers of attorney, and court of protection applications.

The four new senior associates are Stephanie Newton, Ashleigh Wong, Ellie Clifford, and Gail Vallis. Stephanie and Ashleigh are also based in Gardner Leader's Newbury office; Stephanie works in the family team, whilst Ashleigh works in the dispute resolution team.

Managing partner at Gardner Leader Derek Rodgers said: “It has been fantastic to see both Lucy and Marie grow in to the trusted and hugely knowledgeable legal professionals they are today. They will both bring an invaluable blend of insight and expertise to the Partner team and help us to further strengthen the support, advice, and peace of mind we offer to our business and private clients.

“Congratulations must also go to Stephanie, Ashleigh, Ellie and Gail who have also taken an important step in their legal careers in becoming Senior Associates. They will all no doubt contribute to the continued success of Gardner Leader.”

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.