Sydney Mitchell announces senior promotions

Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell has promoted Lorna Payne and Gemma Whitchurch to salaried partners in its private client and family teams, respectively.

Lorna, a specialist in trust law, tax and estate planning, joined the firm in 2021 and became a senior associate in 2023. 

Gemma, recognised by the Legal 500, has been practising family law since 2008, with expertise in high-net-worth financial matters and child arrangements.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Jones has also been promoted to senior associate in the private client team. 

Charlotte, a qualified trust & estates practitioner, has been with the firm since 2018 and advises on probate, estate administration and court of protection issues.

Finally, Kiran Athwal, appointed head of the personal injury and clinical negligence practice in October 2024, is promoted to senior associate. 

Known for handling complex, high-value personal injury cases, Kiran specialises in chronic pain, brain injuries and life-changing injuries.

Founded in 1763, Sydney Mitchell is a Top Tier Legal 500 firm, with offices in Solihull and Birmingham.

Commenting on the promotions, Sydney Mitchell’s senior partner Karen Moores, said: “Lorna, Gemma, Charlotte and Kiran have each made significant contributions to the firm’s sustained growth in recent years, and their promotions are in recognition of this and also their important role in maintaining the firm’s high level of client service and its culture of inclusivity, support, opportunity, and ‘can do’ attitude.”

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