header-logo header-logo

19 February 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
printer mail-detail

Gardner Leader—Michelle Morgan & Catherine Morris

Regional law firm expands employment team with partner and senior associate hires

Gardner Leader has appointed Michelle Morgan as partner and Catherine Morris as senior associate in its employment team, as the regional firm continues its growth across the south of England. Morgan returns to the firm after roles at Shoosmiths and BCLP, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in UK and international employment law, while Morris joins from Knights.

Morgan (pictured) advises corporates and regional businesses on complex employment matters linked to corporate transactions and senior appointments and exits, as well as m&as, mbo’s, restructuring, redundancies and restrictive covenants. Morris specialises in employment litigation and dispute resolution, representing clients in tribunal and civil court claims, and has particular experience advising franchising organisations on employment status and tupe issues.

Morgan said: ‘It’s fantastic to be returning to Gardner Leader. It’s a law firm with an exceptional culture and a genuine commitment to supporting clients… I look forward to adding my expertise to our highly experienced employment law offering.’ Morris added: ‘It’s great to be joining Gardner Leader at such a positive time for the firm… I’m looking forward to working alongside the team.’

Vicky Schollar, partner and head of employment, said: ‘The addition of Michelle and Catherine reflects the continued growth of our team… ensuring we remain well placed to support businesses, employers and HR professionals… with clear, strategic and forward thinking advice.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll