Barr Ellison Law targets growth in Wealth and Property with new partner duo

As competition intensifies in the legal sector across East Anglia, Barr Ellison’s double hire reflects a bold ambition to scale its offering in private wealth and commercial property – two areas in high demand amid ongoing regional investment and demographic shifts.

Joining from a highly regarded regional law firm, private wealth specialist Chantal Percival brings significant firepower to the Personal Wealth team. With over a decade of experience advising high-net-worth clients, Percival is known for her holistic approach to inheritance tax planning, complex estate administration, and wealth structuring.

She is a fully accredited member of both STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and The Association of Lifetime Lawyers – benchmarks for excellence in the private client world.

Percival’s appointment marks a strategic shift by Barr Ellison to respond to an evolving client base. With the Cambridge area seeing an influx of successful entrepreneurs, tech executives and cross-border wealth holders, demand for high-level private client advice has grown rapidly.

“Cambridge is changing. The wealth here isn’t just generational – it’s dynamic, global, and often tied to innovation-led business,” Percival said. “Clients want joined-up legal advice that reflects that complexity. I’m excited to bring that capability to our clients.”

The firm has also snapped up Jonathan Greenhalgh, a seasoned commercial property lawyer with a strong regional reputation. Greenhalgh specialises in development work, investment transactions and strategic land – a critical area as Cambridge continues to face pressing demand for commercial, mixed-use and residential development to support the city’s growth.

Greenhalgh’s track record spans everything from complex option agreements and multi-party site assemblies to guiding investors through secured lending deals. His recent roles include Partner positions at regional heavyweight law firms, where he led key development projects across East Anglia.

“The regional property market is in a fascinating phase,” Greenhalgh said.

“With new infrastructure, evolving planning dynamics, and a wave of capital seeking smart deployment, there’s huge opportunity here. Barr Ellison is ideally positioned at the centre of that activity.”

Strategic hires reflect ambitious vision

Founded over 150 years ago, Barr Ellison has long played a steady hand in Cambridge’s legal scene but the latest appointments hint at a firm with a sharper edge – one increasingly geared toward scale, agility, and growth.

Managing Partner Kelly Peck said the dual appointments were no accident.

“We’re investing in leaders who can push us forward, both in client service and in strategic capability,” Peck said.

“Chantal and Jonathan each bring sector-leading expertise and commercial savvy – precisely what’s needed to take our offering to the next level.”

By attracting senior talent from respected regional firms, Barr Ellison signals its ambition for sustained growth and strength.

Focus on East Anglia’s fast-evolving legal landscape

Cambridge remains a hub for diverse legal work, from biotech and real estate transactions to personal wealth matters linked to international mobility. While many firms jostle for position, Barr Ellison appears to be carving out a niche: approachable, technically astute, and increasingly future-focused.

Both Percival and Greenhalgh noted the firm’s culture and ambition as key draws. “There’s something refreshingly grounded about Barr Ellison,” said Percival. “They have heritage and credibility, but also a hunger to evolve with the region.”

“The ability to work directly with decision-makers and clients, to be agile and commercial – that’s what sets this firm apart,” Greenhalgh added.

Looking ahead: poised for the next phase

With a newly strengthened leadership team, Barr Ellison is positioning itself as a serious contender for clients seeking a personal yet expert legal partner in a competitive market.

While many regional firms face pressures from both London players and boutique challengers, Barr Ellison’s bet on senior talent could give it the edge. The move also suggests a shift in how the firm sees itself – not just as a trusted name in Cambridge, but as a platform for growth.

As the legal sector adjusts to post-pandemic client behaviours, growing regulatory complexity, and increasing cross-disciplinary needs, the arrival of Percival and Greenhalgh may signal the beginning of a broader growth phase for this established Cambridge firm.