Top 100 law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed experienced private client lawyer Alison Hall as Partner and Head of Private Client, reinforcing its full-service legal expertise and commitment to clients across the UK.
Alison re-joins the firm where she started her professional life as a trainee and grew to partner. She brings over 25 years of experience advising individuals, families and business owners on matters including wills, probate, trusts, inheritance tax and succession planning.
Her work includes a strong focus on the rural sector, advising farmers and landowners on managing today and planning for the future - as a business and as a family - most recently supporting people as they navigate changes to inheritance tax announced in the Spring Budget.
Alison Hall said: “Ward Hadaway already has a fantastic technical team and I’m excited to be building on that foundation. There’s a clear opportunity to raise the profile of our private client services and expand our reach across our regions. What matters most to our clients are trusted, personal relationships and being the person they turn to when it really counts. I’m proud to hold that position for my numerous clients. And I am excited to lead a strong team, further building on our reputation and impact in this area.”
Her appointment follows that of Tom Wills as Head of Agriculture, Rural Business and Estates, reflecting a renewed emphasis on supporting rural clients with specialist, joined-up advice. Several members of the team bring lived experience of farming life, strengthening its understanding of clients’ needs on the ground.
Alison continued: “I’m looking forward to working with Tom and other colleagues on rural matters where a specialist and holistic approach to giving legal advice is vital.”
Alison’s ability to coordinate advice across a full range of private client disciplines and act as a single point of trust for clients is central to the firm’s approach. Additionally, she has joined the firm's management board to lead the further development of Ward Hadaway’s private client offering, which as well as succession planning and wills includes a range of services including family matters, divorce and high value conveyancing. She will play a key role in shaping the firm’s broader strategic direction in private client services and their integration into other legal support across the business.
Steven Petrie, Managing Partner at Ward Hadaway, added: “Alison brings deep sector knowledge, strong leadership and a client-first approach that aligns perfectly with our values. Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for our private client team and ensures we continue to offer high-quality, relationship-led legal advice across all areas of life and business. As our firm expands into new regions, and further private client opportunities emerge, I know she will play an important role in helping us to achieve our ambitions as a full-service firm.”
