Walker Morris Leeds Promotes 26 with Three New Partners

Walker Morris Leeds announces 26 promotions including three new partners, eight directors, and 15 senior associates as the Wellington Street firm invests in homegrown talent

Leeds law firm Walker Morris Leeds has promoted 26 fee earners across the business, including three new partners, effective from 1 May. The newly promoted partners are Lorna Hopps (Employment), Alex Jones (Construction and Engineering), and Josh Kitson (Planning and Environment). The round also includes eight directors and 15 senior associates across multiple practice areas. Walker Morris, headquartered at 33 Wellington Street, describes the promotions as one of its largest director cohorts in recent years and says it has significantly increased headcount across legal and business services over the past 12 months.

Why This Matters For Leeds

Walker Morris is one of Leeds’ largest independent law firms, and this promotion round reinforces the city’s position as a base for high-quality legal careers. The three practice areas at partner level; employment, construction, and planning suggests where client demand is strongest. Twenty-six promotions from within signal a firm building capability internally.

The New Walker Morris Leeds Partners

Lorna Hopps joins the partnership from the Employment and Immigration team, Alex Jones from Construction and Engineering, and Josh Kitson from Planning and Environment. All three are described as homegrown talent who have developed their careers at Walker Morris. The firm says the promotions recognise consistently high performance, exceptional client delivery, and leadership capability. Managing partner Jeanette Burgess said headcount has increased significantly across legal and business services over the past year, reflecting the firm’s commitment to investing in people and supporting long-term growth.

“”I am incredibly proud to see so many colleagues progressing to the next stage of their careers at Walker Morris. These promotions recognise consistently high performance, exceptional client delivery and the leadership capability we continue to nurture across the firm.””

— Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner, Walker Morris

Building from Within on Wellington Street

The emphasis on internal promotion is a deliberate strategy. Walker Morris Leeds operates as one of the UK’s leading independent law firms, acting for clients regionally, nationally, and internationally from its Wellington Street headquarters. Its client base spans banking and finance, private equity, commercial development, energy and infrastructure, food and drink, and sports. The 26 promotions is further evidence that Leeds’ legal sector is growing its senior talent base from within rather than lateral recruitment from London.