Merger with Woolley, Beardsleys & Bosworth
In June we announced our merger with Loughborough-based Woolley, Beardsleys & Bosworth, a strategic move that bolsters our presence across the East Midlands This merger added our eighth office to the Rothera Bray family, complementing our existing offices in Leicester and Market Harborough.
All staff were retained, ensuring continuity for clients and giving them access to a broader range of legal services. The merger reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional legal support across the region.
Nottingham Attacks Public Inquiry
Our Serious Personal Injury team has played a vital role in supporting survivors of the Nottingham Attacks throughout the judge-led public inquiry. Key moments this year include:
- February: Partner and Head of Serious Injury, Greg Almond, visited 10 Downing Street with survivor Wayne Birkett to meet the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice
- April: The Serious Injury team attended the Justice session in the House of Commons, where Her Honour Deborah Taylor was announced as Chair of the inquiry
- May: Survivors Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller shared their story in their first TV interview with BBC East Midlands, and Greg Almond discussed the inquiry’s importance on BBC East Midlands Today
- November: Wayne and Sharon called for full transparency by requesting that hearings be streamed on YouTube when they begin in February 2026
Community impact and charity initiatives
Our Deeds That Make a Difference initiative, launched at the end of 2024, continued to drive positive change throughout 2025. Focused on reducing homelessness and poverty, promoting sustainability, and encouraging social mobility, this campaign has delivered incredible results:
- 40+ initiatives supported and £39,440 donated to charities including St Mary’s Relief in Need, Base51, SHE, Grace Enterprises, Derby Kids’ Camp, and Umbrella Derby
- CEO Christina Yardley raised over £1,800 through CEO Sleepout to support local people facing hardship and homelessness
- Our team helped set up Derby Kids’ Camp for the second year, creating a summer retreat for 300 children
- Our Private Client team secured £680,000 in pledged gifts for Cancer Research UK
- The firm’s Charity Committee have run several initiatives including Easter egg donations, a harvest festival food drive, and fundraising for Movember
- Rothera Bray FC won the Nottingham Business Fives tournament, donating £563 to St Mary’s Relief in Need
Growth and leadership
2025 was a year of significant growth for the firm:
- 29 new hires joined across various practice areas and offices
- We welcomed Rachel Mills (Managing Associate, Employment Law) and Ruth Ball (Managing Associate, Insolvency & Restructuring)
- 15 promotions were announced in June, including five new managing associates, four senior associates and six associates
- Nine trainees and chartered legal executives qualified as solicitors and chose to continue their careers with us
We’re proud to be building a dynamic, talented, and diverse team. Explore opportunities on our Careers page.
Recognition and awards
Our achievements were celebrated across the industry with 15 awards this year, including:
CEO Christina Yardley:
- CEO of the Year – East Midlands Business Awards
- Company Leader Award & Leader of the Year – East Midlands Leadership Awards
Firm Awards:
- Professional Services Award – It’s in Nottingham Duckies Awards
- WIRED Consulting 2025 Trailblazer
- Highly Commended for Large Law Firm of the Year – Leicestershire Law Society Awards
Individual Honours:
Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards:
- Kirsten Wood – Partner of the Year
- Georgina Power – Junior Lawyer of the Year
- Sarah Singh – Equality and Diversity Champion
Derby & District Law Society Awards:
- Liam Wicks – Junior Lawyer of the Year
As we come to the end of 2025, we want to thank our clients, colleagues, and partners for their continued trust and collaboration. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’re looking forward to the opportunities 2026 will bring.
