Payne Hicks Beach

London firm Payne Hicks Beach has announced six internal promotions across a wide range of practice areas, consisting of one new partner and five associates.

Within the family department, Ben Parry-Smith (pictured, right) has been selected to join the partnership. He has worked with the firm for the last decade since his qualification, and is highly experienced across the family law field, including in high-value financial disputes and civil partnerships. He also provides particular expertise in cases involving the relocation of children and related to same-sex parents.

Ben commented: ‘I feel privileged to join the Payne Hicks Beach partnership within the firm’s renowned family department. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my esteemed colleagues with the utmost levels of discretion to obtain the best possible outcomes for my clients in what is a sensitive time.’

The family department has also expanded by way of two promotions to associate, of Victoria Hingston and Camellia Buckmaster. Victoria (second from right) has been part of the firm for almost ten years, and frequently handles complex family disputes as well as private law children matters. Camellia (centre right) moved to Payne Hicks Beach from Slaughter and May in 2016, and focuses on a range of family matters including co-habitation agreements and divorce.

Elsewhere, Andrew Willan (second from left) has also been made an associate in the dispute resolution practice. He joined the firm in 2011, and advises on a variety of contentious matters with a particular focus on defamation, privacy and breach of confidence disputes. In the property team, Andrea Yiakoumetti (left) will move to associate, and continue to advise on matters involving the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties. Finally, Marcia Kidd (centre left) has been promoted to associate in the corporate department; she moved to the firm in 2013 from CMS, and handles corporate issues from shareholder disputes and demergers to company reorganisations and reductions of capital.

Payne Hicks Beach’s senior partner Alastair Murdie said: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Ben Parry-Smith to the partnership at Payne Hicks Beach. Having developed his practice at the firm, Ben has a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. I would also like to congratulate Camellia Buckmaster, Victoria Hingston, Marcia Kidd, Andrew Willan and Andrea Yiakoumetti on their promotions – which are all very much deserved and reflect our commitment to recognising internal talent which in turn strengthens the entire firm.’