The Wilkes Partnership | View firm profile
Birmingham, UK – 1 May 2025 — Wilkes, a leading Midlands independent law firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of five lawyers to Partner. The promotions, which span key business and private client teams, reflect the firm’s commitment to recognising talent from within and strengthening its leadership for the future.
The newly promoted partners are Lucy Freeman (Corporate), Emma Hutchison (Business Recovery and Turnaround), Harriet Critchley (Property Litigation), Kate Campbell-Gunn (Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence) and Sophie Fenn (Private Client).
Ellie Holland, Managing Partner at Wilkes, said: “We are proud to recognise the hard work and strong contributions of Lucy, Emma, Harriet, Kate and Sophie. Each has demonstrated outstanding technical expertise, a commitment to delivering the highest levels of service, and a passion for supporting clients and colleagues alike. Their promotions are well deserved and reinforce our investment in the next generation of leaders who will drive the firm’s continued success.”
The promotions come at a time of strong performance for Wilkes, with the firm set to conclude its financial year delivering 10% year-on-year growth. The expansion of the partnership is a key part of the firm’s long-term strategy, ensuring a strong platform for future growth and success across all areas of the business.
With these latest promotions, Wilkes continues to strengthen its offering to both business and private clients, while reinforcing its commitment to diversity, with 12 female partners now forming an integral part of the leadership team.
Wilkes remains firmly focused on building a progressive, resilient firm, dedicated to providing expert legal advice and outstanding service to clients across the Midlands and beyond.
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Notes to Editors:
About Wilkes
Wilkes is a leading independent Midlands law firm, providing expert legal advice to businesses, individuals, families, and public sector organisations across the UK. Known for its commercial approach, technical excellence, and commitment to client service, Wilkes combines the breadth of a full-service offering with a personal, partner-led approach. The firm advises across corporate, real estate, litigation, employment, and private client matters, as well as family law. Wilkes is committed to investing in its people and its future, building a progressive and resilient business to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Newly Promoted Partners
Lucy Freeman – Corporate
Lucy Freeman advises on a wide range of corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts, share buy-backs, fundraisings, corporate reorganisations, and joint ventures. She also provides counsel on corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and constitutional documentation, working closely with directors, shareholders, entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses, and a variety of investors and funders.
Emma Hutchison – Business Recovery & Turnaround
Emma Hutchison has over a decade of experience in Business Recovery, Turnaround, and Corporate and Personal Insolvency. She advises insolvency practitioners, directors, individuals, creditors, and purchasers on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including cross-border insolvencies.
Kate Campbell-Gunn – Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
Kate Campbell-Gunn specialises in clinical negligence cases within the Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence team. She has played a key role in securing millions of pounds in damages for claimants, known for her client-focused approach and expertise in handling complex claims.
Harriet Critchley – Property Litigation
Harriet Critchley specialises in commercial and residential property disputes, including lease renewals, dilapidations claims, forfeiture, break notices, and landlord and tenant work. She has acted on high-value cases, including those linked to major redevelopment projects in the West Midlands.
Sophie Fenn – Private Client
Sophie Fenn is a specialist in private client law and a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers. She advises on wills, inheritance tax planning, and the administration of trusts and estates, with a particular focus on supporting older and vulnerable individuals, their families, and caregivers.