Nelsons, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the East Midlands, has announced its latest round of promotions, highlighting the firm’s commitment to investing in its people.
Two new partners have been appointed in Nottingham – Gemma Hopper (court of protection) and Peter Abel (corporate) – alongside the promotion of Bianca Gregory to senior associate in the Derby private client team.
As Gemma Hopper approaches her seventh year within the court of protection team, her trajectory underscores Nelsons’ growth culture, which supports and encourages opportunities for long-term career progression.
Gemma said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have been promoted to partner. It’s a privilege to be recognised in this way, and I feel incredibly proud to take this next step with a firm and team I’ve grown with.
“For me, this is an opportunity to play a more strategic role, not only in client work but also in shaping the direction of the team and supporting the development of colleagues. I’m proud to be part of this as we continue to grow, evolve, and give our clients complete confidence, clarity, and control throughout their legal journey.”
Corporate partner Peter Abel brings a wealth of experience to the firm. Having joined Nelsons nearly two years ago alongside three colleagues from Knights, his promotion highlights Nelsons’ success in integrating strategic talent to create new opportunities.
Peter said:
“I am proud to have been promoted to partner; while I have only been with the firm since 2024, it feels like a natural next step.
“Nelsons’ approach completely aligns with my own – there is a high degree of collaboration, and the individuals are all of exceptional quality. This ensures that clients receive an unmatched level of service in a highly supportive environment. Moving forward, I am keen to get more involved in the commercially focused aspects of management and strategy, supporting more junior members of the team while continuing to deliver exceptional client service.”
Further strengthening the Derby team, Bianca Gregory has been promoted to senior associate within the private client team after an impactful 18 months with the firm.
Bianca said:
“My time at Nelsons has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have progressed within such a supportive environment. This promotion reflects the experience and confidence I have developed working closely with clients and colleagues across the department.
“The culture here fosters a genuine focus on collaboration, client care, and supporting professional development. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the department and delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.”
Managing partner Stewart Vandermark noted that the latest promotions embody the firm’s core values and progressive ethos.
He said:
“It is always a proud moment to announce our promotions, and I congratulate Gemma, Peter and Bianca on their well-deserved success.
“Gemma and Peter will bring fresh strategic energy to our partnership in Nottingham, while Bianca’s progression strengthens our offering in Derby.
“These promotions include both long-standing team members who have progressed through the firm and individuals who joined us more recently. This reflects the open, merit-based culture at Nelsons, where we recognise and reward achievement. By investing in our people and working as a team, we support each other to drive shared success and deliver an exceptional client experience.”