Hall Brown Family Law has announced that one of the individuals behind the success of its in South Yorkshire has been promoted.

Alison Fernandes, head of the firm’s Sheffield office, described how Melanie Hadwin’s becoming a Partner was “extremely well deserved”.

Alison said that since moving to Hall Brown three years ago, Mel had delivered “excellent” results for clients and been a “driving force” in helping develop the careers of colleagues at all levels.

Alison added that Mel – hailed by one of the UK’s leading legal industry rankings as a “standout” lawyer – had been integral to Hall Brown’s establishing itself as one of South Yorkshire’s leading family law practices.

The firm took the Family Law title at last year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards, singled out by judges for its dedication to clients, innovative services and positive impact on the local community.

Alison explained: “Mel has been an incredibly important figure in that success, recognised by her legal industry peers and clients alike, both for her skill and being the kind of highly experienced, focused lawyer you want on your side.

“The same formidable capabilities which have seen her reputation grow so substantially have contributed to a rise in her caseload and that of the entire Sheffield office.

“We felt that the time was right to recognise Melanie’s role in what we do by making her Partner.

“More than managing her own increasing volume of work, she also plays a substantial part in helping develop her junior colleagues – something which we believe is integral to our approach, not just in South Yorkshire but all of our offices nationwide.

“Mel has already helped deliver first-rate results for us and for her many clients, and we are looking forward to her helping to shape our future too.”

Sheffield born and bred, Mel spent almost 20 years building her practice with two firms based in the city prior to joining Hall Brown in January 2023.

Having established premises in Sheffield in April 2020, Hall Brown has made an enormous local impact, being the only family law practice in the South Yorkshire region to be ranked in the top tier in two of the country’s leading legal rankings, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Alison Fernandes was included in both directories as a Leading Partner, while consultants Martin Loxley and Zoe Round featured in Legal 500’s Hall of Fame. Zoe was also named as one of Chambers and Partners’ Senior Statespeople.

Mel Hadwin, meanwhile, was heralded as one of Legal 500 ‘s Leading Associates with the publication adding that “her clients are extremely lucky. She gives counsel constructive ideas…and adds enormous value.”

Her elevation to Partner concludes Hall Brown’s annual round of promotions, which this year has underlined its emphasis on developing young legal talent as a key ingredient for success.

It saw six staff rewarded for their contribution to growth across its offices in Manchester, Leeds, London, Sheffield and Birmingham, and Hall Brown’s newest premises, which were opened in Liverpool in January. They included Sheffield-based Ella Ashforth, who was promoted to Associate Solicitor.

Earlier this year, Hall Brown also completed yet another clean sweep in the most prestigious domestic and international tables, adding top billing in Doyle’s Guide to prominent shows in Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, eprivateclient and the Times’ own rankings.

The firm was also one of only 11 legal firms nationwide to feature in the Sunday Times’s list of the UK’s Best Places to Work.

Judges described how the firm’s continued growth since opening its doors in 2016 was due to “the culture and wellbeing of the team”.