Social purpose law firm Anthony Collins has announced the appointment of Sue Bearman as legal director of local government, planning and governance, alongside eight internal promotions, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. The moves reinforce the firm’s reputation as a leading provider of legal services to the social care, housing, local government and charity sectors nationwide.
Sue brings more than 20 years’ experience in local government, having worked at both district and county council levels. In her new role, she will advise on all aspects of local authority law, including governance, standards and code of conduct issues. Commenting on her appointment, Sue said: ‘Anthony Collins’ social purpose ethos is a natural fit for me. Having worked in-house in a variety of roles, I have a first-hand understanding of how best to support local authorities through the major changes currently taking place.’
The firm also announced a series of senior promotions: Liam Fitzgerald, Raj Flora-Seehra and Amy Callahan-Page have been promoted to legal director, while four others move up to senior associate and one to associate. Among them, family lawyer Kadie Bennett also becomes chair of the West Midlands Resolution Group, making her one of the youngest solicitors to hold the role regionally or nationally.
Other key promotions include four team members who have moved up to the position of senior associate and one promotion to associate. They are Hannah Bollard in the employment and pensions team, Katie Duggins in the property team, Manchester-based Kirsty Duxbury in governance, funding and corporate, and Kadie Bennett in the family law team. In the private client team, Isabel Griffith has been promoted to associate, where she will continue to develop her specialism in childcare.
Senior partner Matthew Wort said: ‘We have had a very successful year and these promotions and our new hire will enable us to meet the needs of our clients and continue our expansion. People are our driving force at Anthony Collins, and we will continue to invest in their development.’ He added that the firm’s recent recognition by Chambers UK as a top firm for 2026 was ‘entirely down to the rich skills and sector knowledge of our people’.
Image caption:
Top left to right: Sue Bearman, Liam Fitzgerald, Raj Flora-Seehra
Middle left to right: Amy Callahan-Page, Hannah Bollard, Katie Duggins
Bottom left to right: Kirsty Duxbury, Kadie Bennett, Isabel Griffith
