Three new partners join Weightmans in London and Liverpool

In regulatory, Elliott Kenton will work with colleagues in health and safety and transport to grow the firm’s offering across the south east, while Nichola Halpin joins the healthcare team in the north west and will work specifically with NHS Trusts to help them grow and develop their legal practices.

Sarah Pennington joins Weightmans as a partner specialising in residential property matters and will be based in the real estate department in the London office.

Dewi Ap-Thomas, partner and head of regulatory, said:

“Elliott’s arrival at Weightmans signals a pivotal gear change for the regulatory department. He brings with him real cross-sector expertise and a proven dedication to client satisfaction – exactly what we need and expect at Weightmans. I’m excited to work with him.”

Welcoming Nichola to the firm, Richard Jolly, partner and head of health at Weightmans, said:

“This is another significant appointment for the health segment and comes on the back of several key hires and big client wins in recent months. I am delighted to welcome Nichola back to the firm where she began her career over 15 years ago. She will play an integral part in the continued growth of the segment.”

Commenting on Sarah’s appointment, partner and head of private wealth, Jon Shankland, said:

“This is an excellent hire for our already leading property team in London. Sarah’s wealth of experience and reputation across the London property market makes her a superb fit during what is an exciting time for the team.”

Sarah had been with Russell-Cooke LLP since she qualified in 2014, most recently as a senior associate. Her work involves a broad range of residential property issues, including leasehold and freehold sales/purchases, transfers of equity, non-statutory lease extensions and refinancing.

Legal 500-ranked, Elliott specialises in criminal and regulatory matters, including health and safety, business crime, transport regulatory and sports regulation. He joins Weightmans from Fieldfisher, where he was a senior associate.

Nichola began her legal career with Weightmans in 2008, where she trained for almost seven years. She has since held roles as head of legal services at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and general counsel at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her appointment further strengthens the expertise in the healthcare segment and follows other top hires including Ben Troke earlier this year.

Also in London, Andrew Krausz becomes equity partner. Since joining Weightmans in 2018, Andrew set up the aviation team in the city but is now providing work for colleagues in Manchester and other offices.