Penningtons Manches promotes ‘rising star’ family lawyer Rachel Donald to partner

Posted: 12/10/2017

Leading law firm Penningtons Manches’ family practice has promoted Rachel Donald to partner. Recognised as a “brilliant rising star” by legal directory Chambers and Partners, she will be the youngest of the firm’s 105 partners.

Rachel joined Penningtons Manches in January this year to help further expand the highly successful family law team in Guildford, which has gone from strength to strength since being established by partner Veronica Gilmour in 2014.

Originally from the North East, Rachel’s growing desire to work on complex, high net worth and international cases saw her move to the South East in 2012, where her practice flourished. She regularly receives repeat referrals for her expertise in dealing with divorce and children matters. She has represented high profile bankers, business directors, land owners and other professionals and is known for her sensitive but firm approach to cases.

Rachel has carved a niche for herself in the field of prenuptial agreements, with her number of instructions from engaged couples doubling in the last 12 months. As part of Penningtons Manches’ wider private wealth group, she works closely with the firm’s private client team to assist clients considering this type of agreement as part of their financial planning.

In addition to being recognised as a rising star, Chambers and Partners ranks Rachel as a leading individual in her field and as an “associate to watch” in 2017. She is an active member of Resolution, the leading national association of family lawyers.

Veronica Gilmour, head of Penningtons Manches’ family law team in Guildford said: “Rachel’s rapid rise to partner is testament both to her remarkable drive and to her ability to forge the strongest of relationships with both clients and peers. She is a highly talented lawyer and a huge asset to the team as we continue to grow the practice. We are delighted to welcome her to the partnership.”

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