Russell‑Cooke announces seven senior associate promotions

Tiggy Hawkesworth: trust and estate disputes

Tiggy specialises in trust and estate disputes, including will challenges, inheritance claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and disputes arising during estate administration. She also advises on Court of Protection matters, contentious capacity issues and disputes relating to trusts of land, and has a growing art law practice.

Kate Macdonald: family and children law

Kate is a dual‑qualified English and Australian family lawyer advising on divorce, financial disputes, children matters and nuptial agreements. She is valued for her empathetic yet pragmatic advice, extensive cross‑border experience and commitment to resolving disputes constructively, whether through negotiation, alternative dispute resolution or contested court proceedings.

Erin Smart: education law

Erin is an education law specialist mainly advising parents of children with special educational needs (SEN), as well as children, schools and colleges. She focuses on SEN and disability matters, including EHC needs assessments and plans, and tribunal appeals, as well as school exclusions, admissions and discrimination claims. Her work also includes pre-action judicial review work and public law challenges within the education sector.

Evie Smyth: family and children law

Evie advises clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements and domestic abuse matters. Alongside her legal practice, she is training as a psychotherapist, informing her sensitive and empathetic approach. She supports families through negotiation, mediation and litigation, delivering clear, proportionate and effective outcomes. Evie is currently on maternity leave.

Imanpreet Suthar: corporate and commercial

Imanpreet advises start-ups, scaling businesses and established companies on matters such as investment rounds, M&A, share schemes, commercial contracts and data protection. Clients value her commercial insight, responsive style and practical approach to supporting businesses at every stage of growth. Imanpreet is currently on maternity leave. 

Jason Tang: medical negligence and personal injury

Jason specialises in clinical negligence and personal injury claims, acting for vulnerable clients in complex and sensitive matters. He has particular expertise in high value medical negligence cases and is recognised for his client‑focused approach, tenacity and achievements in precedent‑setting cases that have attracted national media attention.

Aidan Tynan: private client

Aidan advises on all aspects of private client work, including wills, estate and trust planning, lasting powers of attorney and estate administration. His practice includes complex, high value and cross‑border estates, as well as trust structures and succession planning for business owners, private individuals and families.

These promotions reflect the depth and range of talent across the firm and the important contribution our senior associates make to our work and our clients. We are pleased that this group reflects the gender balance we continue to see across our teams, and the strength of our progression pathways. I would like to congratulate them all and wish them every success in their new roles.