Our 20-strong promotions strengthen our expertise, including a new Partner in the Employment & Business Immigration team

Shabana Muneer’s promotion to partner in the Employment & Business Immigration team recognises her exceptional contribution in expanding our client offering by creating a dedicated Business Immigration team. This rapidly growing practice area not only addresses a growing need for specialised business immigration services but also positions us to broaden our international service capabilities.

Shabana progressed through the firm’s Forge programme, an initiative designed to equip future and existing partners with the skills, mindset, and knowledge necessary to excel as partners and drive the firm’s success. The programme is built around three main pillars to make the path to partnership more transparent. These pillars include understanding the ever-changing legal landscape, growing the business, and leading a team.

Discussing her promotion to partner, Shabana said: “Being promoted to partner is a huge career milestone for me because it recognises the hard work and innovation that have gone into establishing our dedicated Business Immigration offering, which now services a wide range of national and international clients.

“In addition, I am extremely proud to be the first female Muslim partner at Walker Morris, and the only hijab (headscarf) wearing partner in the Leeds ‘Big Six’ law firms. I hope my achievement inspires others from diverse backgrounds to aspire to leadership. My participation in our Forge programme was invaluable, providing transparency about the partner application process and a clear view of the firm’s expectations. I am incredibly proud to have developed a service line that meets our clients’ complex, international needs.”

The promotions also include:

Directors

• Ryan Doodson – Commercial
• Catherine Thompson – Construction
• Hannah Levy – Real Estate
• Seann Stobbs – Real Estate
• Ashley Neville – Financial Dispute Resolution

Senior Associates

• Josh Fraser – Planning and Environment
• Matt Gale – Corporate
• Grace Parkin – Regulatory
• Ben Brown – CDR
• Nick Attwooll – CDR
• Hannah Blood – Employment & Business Immigration
• Samantha Paulin – Employment & Business Immigration
• Adam Melling – Employment & Business Immigration
• Josh Eaton – Real Estate Litigation
• Claire Matthews – Real Estate Litigation
• Rebekah Dailey – Finance
• John-Joe Massey – Commercial
• Micha Naglis – Commercial
• Georgina Gamble – Real Estate Litigation

These promotions demonstrate the strength of our talent and commitment to excellence. In addition to the promotions made in the Employment & Business Immigration team, our broader investment in its people demonstrates that growth and innovation remain at the heart of our strategic direction.

Discussing the promotions, Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner, added: “These promotions are well deserved and reinforce our commitment to continued investment in our people. Congratulations to all on their success, reflecting their hard work and dedication.

“Shabana’s promotion is a testament to the remarkable talent within our firm. Her vision in establishing the Business Immigration team has enhanced our client services and set a new benchmark for innovation and inclusion. We are confident that her leadership and our newly appointed directors and senior associates will propel Walker Morris into its next chapter of success and sustainability.”

For any enquiries, please contact our Press team.