We are delighted to announce the appointment of two female partners, Hannah Smith and Megan Graham, with effect from the 1 April 2025.
Hannah and Megan’s appointments will result in six out of the firm’s eight partner positions being held by a woman: well above the national average for UK law firms, with less than 50% of salaried partners being women.
Hannah Smith joined Bendles as a trainee solicitor in 2017 and subsequently developed a level of expertise and passion for Family Law which led to her promotion to Associate of the firm in 2023 and Children Law accreditation in 2024. Child Care and Family Law is a significant part of the firm’s services, with the team’s skills and knowledge highly regarded across the region and further afield.
Hannah said “I am thrilled to become a Partner in Bendles. I’ve been able to grow professionally and progress my career here whilst the firm itself has also grown. To be part of a progressive and ambitious firm is exciting and I’m looking forward to contributing more directly to our strategy and growth.”
Joining Bendles partnership at the same time will be Megan Graham. Megan has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the firm since joining in 2022, quickly rising to an Associate position in 2024. Specialising in in all aspects of private client work, Megan will head up the firm’s newest office in Whitehaven.
Megan commented, “It is a privilege to be asked to join the partnership of Bendles and be a part of its future development. There is significant opportunity to grow in the west of the county, and taking on the leadership role in Whitehaven is something I am very much looking forward to.”
John Stevenson, Managing Partner, added “The appointment of Hannah and Megan as new Partners with Bendles is a really positive move. They both bring a huge amount to the firm, will strengthen the partnership and help continue with the firm’s expansion plans. I am very confident they will both make a significant contribution to the future success of Bendles.”
