Manchester-based personal injury firm Express Solicitors has promoted 71 staff members across its departments, marking a major year of internal expansion following several corporate acquisitions.
Acquisitions and growth
Following a year of rapid expansion, the firm has integrated three new entities into its operations: Aegis Legal, Recovery Assist, and Smooth Law / Sorrymate. This consolidation has strengthened the company’s service capabilities and workforce.
Express Solicitors CEO James Maxey said the firm is experiencing a landmark period. “Express Solicitors continues to grow at a remarkable pace and 2026 has already been a landmark year for us,” Maxey said. “We’ve completed three acquisitions – Aegis Legal, Recovery Assist and Smooth Law / Sorrymate – each strengthening our expertise, our reach and the service we provide to clients.”
The firm’s internal growth strategy appears directly linked to this external expansion. By promoting existing staff, the company maintains continuity across newly acquired departments while rewarding loyalty. This approach likely reduces friction during integration, as familiar faces guide colleagues through structural changes.
New leadership roles
The promotions include five new Principal Partners, one new department head, and 12 new Partners. New department heads will oversee specific areas of operations, including civil liberties and compliance.
Notable appointments include Vivien Lee as Partner and Head of Civil Liberties, Amy Cassell as Principal Partner in the RTA department, and Jennifer Friedrich as Principal Partner. The list also features Daniel Jamieson in the RTA department, Sam Nicholson in Employers’ Liability, and Monina Ramsden in Occupiers’ and Public Liability.
Other new partners include Stephanie Warlow in Compliance, Clare Audis as NCT Department Manager in the New Client Team, and Tanya Atkinson in Training. Eleanor Turton has been appointed Partner and Graduate Lead for Training, Robert Mckenna for Consumer Claims, and Joe Bernhardt for Costs.
Further promotions include Kate Ellis in HR, Kristian Horsfall as Partner and COLP, Louise Halliwell as Solicitor Advocate for Express Chambers, Hywel Thomas in Employers’ Liability, and Alexander Langston and Megan Hayes in Employers’ Liability.
Expanding the talent pipeline
Beyond senior leadership, the firm has focused on developing future lawyers through structured training. Eleven staff members became Senior Associate Solicitors, two others reached Senior Associate level, seven new Associate Solicitors were hired, and 11 staff rose to Associate level.
The firm currently has 34 trainees, including two costs lawyers, nine CILEX lawyers, and the rest trainee solicitors. Three new legal apprentices have joined the team, ensuring multiple pathways to qualification.
Chief HR Officer Carole Jones noted the emphasis on internal development. “At Express Solicitors, we’ve worked hard to build clearly defined career pathways that give every colleague the opportunity to grow, specialise and progress at a pace that’s right for them,” Jones said. “What makes me proud is seeing how many of our promotions come from within.”
With these internal advancements, the firm is positioning itself for the next phase of development. The expanded teams and newly integrated colleagues from the acquisitions create a robust foundation for continued service delivery.