International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has promoted five lawyers to its partnership in Leeds as part of its 2026 round of promotions.
Philippa McCarthy, Geoff McGinley and James Washington (all Finance), Edward Ainscoe (Corporate Finance) and Laura McAuley (Real Estate), who are all based in the firm’s Sovereign Square office, are the newest members of the AG partnership group, with the five new partners in Leeds the largest group of any individual location.
They are part of a 17-strong cohort promoted across Addleshaw Goddard’s offices – up from 15 in 2025. Twelve of the new Partners are based in the UK and five across the Dubai, Dublin, Madrid and Warsaw offices, further strengthening AG’s international platform. The newly promoted Partners reflect the firm’s continued investment in its people and its commitment to growth across key markets in line with its ambitious AG2030 growth strategy.
Over the past 12 months, the firm has also made 47 lateral partner hires, including 17 in London and 17 across non UK offices, reflecting the investment in its City, national and international platform. The firm has grown its total headcount by over 10% in the past year to more than 3,200 colleagues.
Lucy Sturrock, Head of Leeds office at Addleshaw Goddard, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome our five new partners in Leeds – including three from our Finance team – which underlines both the depth of talent we have in the city and Leeds’ position at the heart of the UK’s ‘Northern Square Mile’ for financial and professional services. From Yorkshire, our finance lawyers are advising on complex, high‑value transactions for clients across the UK and internationally, and these promotions reflect the market‑leading role they play.
“More broadly, this group reflects our continued investment in people and our confidence in Leeds as a place to build long‑term careers at the firm. As part of Addleshaw Goddard’s wider growth plans, Leeds continues to be a key contributor, combining sector strength with close collaboration across our UK and international network.”
Andrew Johnston, Managing Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “This talented group of new partners broadens and deepens the expertise we are able to offer to our clients where they need us most. Our AG2030 strategy is delivering significant momentum across the firm. These promotions reflect our commitment as part of that strategy to developing our most talented lawyers across each of our markets.”
Image provided by Addleshaw Goddard
