International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson has announced nine senior promotions in Newcastle, including four managing associates and five associates.

In the real estate team, Stephanie Mallery and Joanne Anderson have been promoted to managing associate. Stephanie works on a variety of property matters, specialising in advising investor clients on the purchase and financing of large single family rental portfolios and also advising developer clients in relation to land acquisitions and disposals.

Joanne specialises in property-related funding work, and acts for a range of regional and national lenders on development finance, funding and acquisition of commercial property portfolios, educational facilities and social housing schemes.

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Conor Wells and Keith Scott, who are also part of the firm's real estate group, have been promoted to associate. Connor regularly advises both public and private sector clients on a wide range of matters including acquisitions and disposals, development projects and landlord and tenant transactions, while Keith focuses on real estate investment matters acting for pension trustees for both SIPP and SSAS pension schemes dealing with the acquisition, disposal and management of commercial property.

There are three new associates in the corporate and commercial team with Alex Kirtley, Becky Brook and Michael Wells all promoted. Alex advises insolvency practitioners in relation to both corporate and personal insolvency, Becky specialises in business disposals, acquisitions, group reorganisations, private equity investments and shareholders agreements, and Michael is experienced in supporting and advising various clients working in the transport sector, with a particular focus on the rail sector.

Sally Cooper from the charities team has been promoted to managing associate. Sally specialises in charity law and governance and has particular expertise in advising on issues including governance and constitutional matters, contractual and operational matters and charity incorporation and restructuring.

Also promoted to managing associate is Emma Welch in the dispute resolution team. Emma advises clients in relation to commercial and contractual disputes, particularly technology related contracts and procurement matters. She also helps to lead the women's network, WBD Thrive, which is focused on progressing gender diversity.

The good news from Newcastle is part of a wider raft of promotions with 26 promotions announced across WBD's UK offices. In July, the firm also announced 12 partner and two legal director promotions.

Paul Stewart, UK managing partner, said: "As a firm, we continue to invest in our people, who are the core of the business. Our strategy has been one of consistent organic growth, and we're incredibly proud of the talent we've developed.

"We are committed to enabling our people to reach their full potential and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Their promotions are very much deserved, and we are excited to see them continue to grow in their new roles."

With 32 offices across the UK and US and as the largest law firm in the North East, WBD - one of the key partners in The Northern Echo's Level Up campaign for investment and jobs – has deep roots in the region with Newcastle its largest UK office with over 420 professionals.