Lodders Solicitors has announced ten senior promotions across its private client, agriculture, family, dispute resolution and real estate teams, and including the firm's first ever legal director appointments.

In the business' private client department, Emma Sommerville is promoted to senior associate, and Sharon Crosby and Vicki Gulliver to associate.

Also promoted to associate are Amy Parker in Lodders' family law team, Lee Thompson in the real estate team, Lodders' agriculture team's Sarah Richardson, and Lauren Smith in the dispute resolution team.

This year, the firm has introduced the role of legal director for its lawyers. The first of its team to be promoted to the new position of legal director are Caroline Dresden in the family law team and Russell Spencer in the real estate practice.

Alexis Nicholls, who is responsible for the facilities and overall day-to-day running and operation of Lodders four offices, and leads its administration and support teams, is promoted from associate director to director.

Commenting on the promotions, Lodders' managing partner Paul Mourton said: "Each of the individuals chosen for promotion are very capable and committed individuals and talented experts in their field. Many of them have progressed their careers entirely at Lodders, and all make a highly important and valuable contribution to their teams, the firm, and its clients.

"The new senior position of legal director has been created to enable the firm to recognise and reward some of our most experienced lawyers, and both Caroline and Russell are highly skilled individuals to be the first given this title."

He added: "Of course, this year has become one of the most challenging on record for many businesses, so it is especially rewarding to be able to deliver some good news. My congratulations go to all of our team promoted this year."