HCR Law Strengthens Presence in Thames Valley with Key Appointments

In response to increasing client demand for specialist legal advice across a growing number of areas, HCR Law has achieved significant growth over the past 12 months.

Reflecting this growth, HCR’s Thames Valley office has welcomed several senior appointments, including Phil Jacques, who joined the Real Estate team this month as Partner.

Phil joins HCR Law following over eight years at a Thames Valley law firm, where he established himself as a trusted advisor in commercial property matters across the region and further afield. Phil has extensive experience advising prominent regional businesses, investors and private individuals on a wide variety of commercial property transactions, spanning the industrial, office, retail, and technology sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, Phil Jacques said: “HCR Law has a leading reputation, and I am delighted to join a firm with such ambition and dedication to delivering an exceptional client service. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s growth and success in the region and beyond.”

Phil’s arrival follows a series of other appointments for the Thames Valley office. Recent hires include Richard Devall, a Partner specialising in Employment and Immigration law and ranked in the 2025 Chambers & Partners directory, as well as Legal Directors Lizzie Judd and Rowena Clark, who bring expertise in Commercial law and Restructuring and Insolvency, respectively.

The firm’s growth is further highlighted by its recognition at the Thames Valley Business Magazine Deal Awards that took place at the end of 2024. HCR Law received three awards, including the Lawyer of the Year for Partner, Rachel Turner, who achieved this accolade for the second consecutive year.

Heath Thomas, Head of the Thames Valley Office, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Phil to the team. HCR Law’s growth is always driven by our clients’ needs, and we are committed to ensuring we have the best people to deliver market-leading services.

“As a full-service law firm, we are dedicated to attracting top legal talent who share our vision for excellence and growth. We know we appeal to lawyers looking for a different type of firm. These recent appointments reflect the strength of our offering across Thames Valley and our commitment to supporting businesses in the region. I look forward to seeing Phil, Richard, Lizzie and Rowena play a key role in driving the firm forward.”