FIVE key promotions have been made at Bournemouth law firm Steele Raymond LLP.

Family solicitor and mediator Lindsay Halliwell has become the firm’s 16th partner.

She joined the firm in 2014 and has experience in all areas of divorce and separation, including child arrangements, with particular experience in one of the most complex legal areas, the division of assets for separated unmarried couples.

She said: “Hard work and dedication is always recognised and valued at Steele Raymond, which is encouraging for those lawyers who wish to progress their careers. The ethos of the firm supports and encourages progress and everybody works together to provide a platform to succeed.”

Joanna Staples, who has been with the firm since 2010 and is part of its residential property team, has been promoted to senior associate.

Three solicitors have become associates. They are Alice Toop, a graduate of the firm’s trainee solicitor programme and a solicitor in its dispute resolution team; Michelle Bettell, who joined in 2017, has and has experience in all family matters; and Rosanna Parker, another graduate of the training programme, working in commercial property.

Steele Raymond managing partner Peter Rolph said: “I want to congratulate our new partner and associates, who have all made a fantastic contribution to our business through some very challenging times. We value everyone in our business and want to encourage and promote everyone to develop their legal skills and provide the very best client service.”