A CUMBRIAN law firm has made a string of new appointments and promotions.

Burnetts, which has offices in Carlisle, Newcastle, Penrith and Cockermouth, has welcomed four new lawyers to its partnership and promoted five more as part of its annual review.

Solicitors Joanne McKenzie, Rachael Stephenson, Sarah Willshire and chartered legal executive Kathryn Hill have been promoted to be partners.

Also promoted are commercial solicitors Abigail Clucas, Rebecca Joy, Sarah Loan and Anna Lovett who have been promoted to associate solicitor and chartered legal executive Rob Winder who was promoted to senior associate.

Managing Partner Nick Gutteridge said: “All four lawyers know their specialisms inside out and are absolutely committed to providing great client service.

“As a result they have each built up a reputation as the go-to lawyer in their own fields. Over the last 12 months, they have all taken on extra responsibility as heads of departments and have shown dynamism, innovation and dedication.”

Head of agribusiness Joanne is based in Carlisle and is recommended in industry guides including Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.

Rachael joined Burnetts in 2017 as part of its succession planning in the wills, probate and trusts team, while Sarah is head of banking and one of three lawyers brought in with a brief to develop the firm’s banking specialism .

Kathryn is head of residential conveyancing and based at Burnetts’ Cockermouth office.

Mr Gutteridge said: “Kathryn is an incredibly impressive lawyer – bringing a Legal Executive into the partnership is a first for us.

"It would have been a loss to Cumbria if Kathryn had not been able to achieve her career goals here in the county.”

It was recently announced that Helen Hayward, James Johnston, Robbie Mather and Michael Walby had become part-owners of the business as equity partners.

This will give them greater involvement in shaping the overall future of the firm.

Burnetts now has 18 partners and employs 170 staff.