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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

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

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From first-generation student to trailblazing president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, John McElroy of Fieldfisher reflects on resilience, identity and the power of bringing your whole self to the law

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Planning and environment team expands with partner hire in Manchester

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Firm appoints chief operating officer to strengthen leadership team

NEWS
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Litigators digesting Mazur are being urged to tighten oversight and compliance. In his latest 'Insider' column for NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School provides a cut out and keep guide to the ruling’s core test: whether an unauthorised individual is ‘in truth acting on behalf of the authorised individual’
Conflicting county court rulings have left landlords uncertain over whether they can force entry after tenants refuse access. In this week's NLJ, Edward Blakeney and Ashpen Rajah of Falcon Chambers outline a split: some judges permit it under CPR 70.2A, others insist only Parliament can authorise such powers
A wave of scandals has reignited debate over misconduct in public office, criticised as unclear and inconsistently applied. Writing in NLJ this week, Alice Lepeuple of WilmerHale says the offence’s ‘vagueness, overbreadth & inconsistent deployment’ have undermined confidence
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