Law firm expands Midlands presence with new partners and legal director

With growing client demand, HCR Law has announced the appointment of three new partners and a legal director across its Midlands offices.

Terry Cooper, Lisa Kemp, and Claire Pottinger join the firm as partners, while Katie Maxwell-Stuart takes on the role of legal director.

These strategic hires underscore HCR Law's commitment to delivering exceptional client services.

The Birmingham office, led by Rebecca Leask, welcome Terry Cooper and Katie Maxwell-Stuart to its Private Client team.

Katie, a specialist disputed wills, trusts and estates solicitor with over 15 years of experience, returns to HCR Law, where she began her career as a trainee in 2006.

Terry is one of several recent new hires to the Private Client team, bringing over 30 years of experience in advising business leaders and individuals, with specialisms including inheritance tax planning.

Terry and Katie join fellow recent additions Kate Oliver and Tracy Lake, who have also joined as partners in Birmingham over the past few months, further strengthening the firm's capabilities in the region.

Lisa Kemp and Claire Pottinger both join HCR’s Worcester office, led by Charlotte Thornton-Smith. Lisa, who represents global household brands and regional businesses, brings valuable expertise to the Employment and Immigration team, addressing the increasing client demand driven by incoming changes in the employment landscape.

Similarly to both Terry and Katie, Claire Pottinger is a further addition to the Private Client team. Claire, who specialises in lasting powers of attorney and administering trusts, has over 25 years experience in advising clients and acts as a professional executor, trustee or attorney as required.

“These hires are significant for HCR Law and the services we provide to our clients nationally” Rebecca Leask, partner and head of the firm’s Birmingham office said. “They show that HCR Law continues to be an environment where leading talent wishes to join and contribute to our organisation.”

Charlotte Thornton-Smith, partner and head of the Worcester office, added, “The West Midlands presents numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. Our recent growth is a testament to our dynamism as a law firm, as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional services with leading experts in their fields. I am delighted to welcome Terry, Lisa, Katie, and Claire to HCR Law.”

Pictured (L-R): Rebecca Leask (partner and head of Birmingham Office), Charlotte Thornton-Smith (partner and head of Worcester Office), Terry Cooper (partner), Claire Pottinger (partner), Katie Maxwell-Stuart (legal director), Lisa Kemp (partner), Michael Stokes (partner, head of Employment and Immigration Team), Beth King-Smith (artner and head of Disputed Wills, Trusts & Estates and Worcester Private Client Team)