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30 March 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Dual-qualified partner joins as head of commercial property department

Thackray Williams has appointed Lucy Zhu to lead its commercial property department, strengthening its offering with a bilingual lawyer with international experience. Zhu joins from a global firm, where she spent the past decade, and is qualified in both England & Wales and China, speaking English and Mandarin fluently.

She brings cross-border expertise and a strong network in the Chinese market, positioning the firm to attract clients with complex property portfolios. Zhu succeeds Yildiz Betez, who played a key role in expanding the firm’s presence into the City of London and led the team through challenging market conditions.

Commenting on her appointment, Zhu said: ‘I’m really pleased to be joining Thackray Williams’ and highlighted its ‘friendly, forward-looking team with a great people culture.’ She added she was ‘looking forward to working with everyone and helping to grow the commercial property practice.’

Vikki Herbert, co-managing partner and head of real estate, said: ‘We’re delighted that Lucy has joined Thackray Williams’ and described her as ‘ideally position[ed]… to help us attract clients with complex property portfolios.’ Departing partner Yildiz Betez added: ‘I am incredibly proud of what Thackray Williams has achieved.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

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