Debenhams Ottaway invests in its people: Five partners promoted to equity

From 1 May 2024 Debenhams Ottaway celebrates five of its salaried partners becoming equity partners: James Brawn (corporate and commercial), Rachel Hyndman (Wills, trusts and probate), Neil Mercer (commercial property) Alexander Neale (commercial litigation) and Andrew Spearman (Wills, trusts and probate). With very few firms today welcoming homegrown talent to equity partnerships (three of the five trained with the firm), these promotions provide a refreshing approach to how Debenhams Ottaway develops and supports its people.

James trained at a large Silver Circle firm in the City before joining Debenhams Ottaway in 2016 and has played an integral part in growing the corporate and commercial practice. Rebecca Lorne, also in the corporate and commercial team, has been promoted to senior associate. Before joining the firm, she specialised in capital markets and corporate transactions in the City.

Neil started his career with Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee and is well known for his broad understanding and expertise of commercial property law.  His loyal clients bring him in as early as possible on their deals to get the benefit of his commercial awareness and creative approach.

Alexander, another partner who trained at Debenhams Ottaway, has built a reputation as an insolvency specialist helping businesses in financial difficulty. He is part of an impressive team of senior and junior lawyers that advise on complex litigation.

Rachel and Andrew are part of one of the largest and most experienced Wills, trusts and probate teams in Hertfordshire. They help clients, who often have complex business and international assets, protect their wealth and plan for the future. Rachel, who also trained with Debenhams Ottaway, leads the Court of Protection team and Andrew specialises in trusts. Hannah Kenworthy, also in their team, another lawyer who started with Debenhams Ottaway as a trainee, is promoted to senior associate. Property lawyer Tim O’Donoghue, who works closely with the team to help clients buying and selling their homes, is promoted to associate.

Managing Partner Susan Glenholme comments “At Debenhams Ottaway we focus on looking after and developing our talent and these recent promotions celebrate this. I am particularly pleased that our current promotions recognise the hard work of our lawyers as they progress with us from trainees to senior positions within the firm.  With people and clients continuing to be at the heart of our success, my focus is on having the right team in place so we can develop long term trusted adviser relationships with our clients and be known as an employer of choice.”