WHN Solicitors invests in leadership with senior promotions

Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors has made two senior promotions to support its continued growth across the North West.

Commercial litigation specialist Eleanor Longworth has been promoted to director.

Eleanor originally joined WHN as a trainee in 2012 and, since qualifying in 2014, has grown her expertise in advising business clients on a wide range of commercial property litigation matters.

Eleanor is a national specialist in long leasehold dispute resolution.

In addition to continuing to provide high-quality advice to clients, her new role will incorporate an increased focus on the business’s leadership and growth, including a place on WHN’s board.

Katie Wright, who is head of WHN’s civil litigation team, has also been promoted to senior associate solicitor and head of the firm’s Clitheroe office.

Katie has more than 10 years’ experience as a qualified solicitor in civil litigation, advising clients on a range of areas including contentious probate, possession matters, contractual disputes and debt recovery.

She joined the company in 2019 and became head of civil litigation in 2024.

Her new role as head of the Clitheroe office will involve additional oversight of the office’s strategy as well as employee and business operations to drive WHN’s continued growth across the Ribble Valley.

In addition to Eleanor’s and Katie’s promotions, corporate and commercial law specialist Harry Owen has qualified as a solicitor.

Harry works primarily from the firm’s Bury office and joined the firm in October 2023.

He advises companies across the North West on a range of corporate disciplines including disposals, acquisitions, incorporations and reorganisations.

Kay Jackson-Leigh, head of people and culture, WHN Solicitors said: “WHN Solicitors is based on quality advice and strong, long-term client relationships.

"Providing opportunities for our team to progress and fulfil their career ambitions with us is key to that.

“These three promotions are a brilliant example of our approach.

Eleanor and Katie have been with WHN for more than 10 years and have grown to become true leaders within the firm.

Harry’s qualification will help him to strengthen the relationships and experience that he is already building and pave the way for further development as part of WHN’s legal team over the coming years.”

Last month, Eleanor was recognised in two prestigious legal guides for UK lawyers and firms, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

The firm’s corporate and commercial team, which includes Harry Owen, was also recognised as one of five WHN teams in the Legal 500 guide and three teams in the Chambers and Partners guide.

Michael Shroot, chief executive said: "Eleanor, Katie and Harry are huge assets to WHN Solicitors, not only for the advice they provide to our clients on a daily basis but also as people.

"Inclusivity and integrity are key to our culture and they are all brilliant examples of this.

“All three are hugely deserving of these new opportunities and I’m excited to see them continue to develop and contribute to WHN’s ongoing growth in the years ahead.”

WHN employs more than 100 staff at offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslington, Rawtenstall and Salford.