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15 September 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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DWF—four appointments

Firm strengthens in-house advocacy with four new pupil appointments

DWF has welcomed four new pupils to its in-house Chambers, reinforcing its advocacy capabilities across England. Hannah Ritchie joins in London, bringing a growing practice in civil and commercial litigation, insurance and civil fraud. Called to the Bar in 2022, she became an advocate with DWF Chambers in 2024.

Hope Pranauskaite, based in Liverpool, has completed over 300 hearings as a self-employed advocate, with experience spanning landlord and tenant, enforcement, PI, RTA and commercial small claims. In Leeds, Matthew Butters joins with more than 1,800 hearings under his belt, covering housing possession, consumer credit, bankruptcy and interim applications. Roxana Chiper, based in Birmingham, adds further depth with extensive experience across RTA, consumer rights, housing and contract disputes.

Dan Monaghan, head of DWF Chambers, said: ‘Their combined experience and academic achievements will be a great asset to our clients and to the continued growth of our team.’ With this cohort, DWF Chambers has now supported 14 pupils to qualify since becoming an Authorised Education and Training Organisation.

The team has grown from seven to 40 advocates and clerks over five years, making it the largest commercial in-house advocacy team in England. With a presence in six major cities and a strong client base, DWF continues to invest in future talent as part of its long-term strategy.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Browne Jacobson—Caroline Barker & Tom Walker

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Browne Jacobson recruits regulatory experts Caroline Barker and Tom Walker to bolster health, government and corporates practices

Jackson Lees Group—Paul Harrison, Helen Innes & Sorcha McMullan

Jackson Lees Group—Paul Harrison, Helen Innes & Sorcha McMullan

Partner and paralegals bolster clinical negligence team at Jackson Lees Group

Stone King—Manchester

Stone King—Manchester

Stone King triples Manchester footprint with office move as law firm’s rapid growth journey continues

NEWS
The Court of Appeal has overturned the convictions of five Barclays LIBOR/EURIBOR traders—demonstrating the dangers of removing jury trial from serious fraud cases, according to a solicitor acting in the case
Lawyers have welcomed the Lord Chancellor’s reverse-ferret on jury reforms, but expressed ‘serious concerns’ about the decision to exclude fraud trials
From ‘rats in the robing room’ to ‘overworked’ judges and a shortage of court staff, barristers have aired their concerns about the state of the justice system
The use of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) poses ‘significant risks’ across the justice system, public services and government, and current regulation is ‘poorly suited’ to control it, experts have warned
The solicitors’ regulator has paused controversial plans to exclude owner-managers from compliance officer roles
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