Smith & Co Solicitors has strengthened its residential property team with the appointment of Pauline Hodgson (pictured above) as new department head.
The appointment recognises more than a decade of specialist legal expertise and an outstanding reputation for client service. Hodgson will oversee the firm’s residential property department, which has offices in Ipswich, Sudbury, Felixstowe and Haverhill.
She advises on all aspects of residential conveyancing, including property sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, leasehold and freehold transactions, equity release and gifts of property.
Hodgson said: “I am excited to be heading up such a strong and dedicated team. My focus will be on developing the department further, building on our existing strengths, and ensuring that we continue to provide excellent client care, robust compliance and first-class property law expertise.”
Kent firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has appointed Sarah Easton (right) as head of real estate. Easton, who has been with the firm since 2010, is an experienced development 
lawyer who currently leads the Land & Development team.
The Real Estate team at Thomson Snell & Passmore is one of the largest in the region, and has further plans for growth. Senior partner Richard Ellard said: “We have ambitious plans for the firm and the department. I have no doubt that Sarah, with her expertise and experience, is the perfect person to help drive these plans forward.”
Ward Hadaway has promoted five members of its real estate team as the 600-strong firm continues to focus on developing talent from within.
Rebecca Webster and Sam Watts become associates, Matthew Hills and Alicia Vickers are now managing associates, and Emma Collins has been appointed as director.
Steven Petrie, managing partner, said the promotions reflect the culture Ward Hadaway works hard to maintain. “People are given responsibility, supported by experienced colleagues and encouraged to keep developing at every stage of their careers. It is also a reflection of the time and care that goes into training, supervision and mentoring across the firm.
“Each of those promoted has made a strong contribution to the firm, our clients and their teams. Their progression is very well deserved, and I am confident they will continue to play an important role in Ward Hadaway’s growth.”
Specialist conveyancing firm Montpellier Legal has strengthened its London expansion with the appointment of Hannah Wright (pictured left) as sales director.
Wright joins the business with more than 17 years’ experience within the property industry, bringing commercial expertise and client relationship knowledge to the firm.
Prior to joining Montpellier Legal, she enjoyed a successful career as an estate agent before moving into the legal sector in 2019.
In her new role, Wright will focus on expanding Montpellier Legal’s presence across London and the south of England.
Wright said: “I’m delighted to be joining Montpellier Legal at such an exciting time for the business. The firm has built a fantastic reputation within the industry and I’m looking forward to working with the team to strengthen relationships across the south of the UK and support the firm’s continued expansion.”
LawNet has appointed sector specialist Karen Clarkson (pictured right) as head of community and communications, in its latest move to expand 
its influence across the SME legal sector.
Clarkson will support the next phase of the network’s growth in a bid to strengthen its position as a catalyst for collaboration and shared expertise among independent law firms.
She joins from Parker Bullen LLP, where she was marketing and business development director and brings extensive experience in law firm marketing, events and member engagement. Her previous roles include nine years heading up marketing for LawNet member firm Warner Goodman LLP and member services for Dorset Chamber of Commerce.
LawNet supports a community of independent firms through collaboration, learning and business support, helping members strengthen performance and differentiate in their markets.
Clarkson said: “I’ve seen first-hand the strength of the LawNet community and the difference it can make to member firms.
“I’m excited to be taking on a role that is about creating even more opportunities for firms to connect, share experience and learn from each other, and to be working with the team to seek out new ideas that will help firms adapt and grow in a changing market.”
