Pinney Talfourd Announces Three New Partner Promotions

We are delighted to announce the promotion of three members of staff to Partner with effect from 1 October 2025. These well-deserved promotions recognise the exceptional contributions that Lisa Eastwood, Alex Pearce, and Surjit Verdi have made to the firm and to their clients.

Lisa Eastwood – Property Litigation

Lisa qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and has always specialised in Property and Commercial Litigation, acting for institutional landlords in complex repossession matters. She joined Pinney Talfourd in 2018 and has since focused exclusively on Property Litigation and Real Estate, with particular expertise in Commercial Landlord and Tenant Disputes, Contentious Business Lease Renewals, Dilapidations, Professional Negligence, and Complex Co-Ownership Disputes.

“Lisa has been integral to the growth and success of our Property Litigation Team over the last five years, playing a key role in developing the department and dealing with many of our complex and high value disputes.” – Philip Cockram, Managing Partner.

Alex Pearce – Employment

Alex joined the firm in 2010, qualified as a solicitor in 2012, and became Head of Employment earlier this year. He specialises in Employment Law and leads our Employment Team, with overall responsibility for the management and supervision of all employment-related matters. Alex acts for many of the firm’s leading commercial clients and is widely recognised for his ability to achieve excellent results, with repeat instructions from both individuals and businesses.

“Alex has built a thriving Employment Team in his time with us and now heads our Legal 500 Tier 2 employment practice, developed utilising his considerable technical expertise and his calm and effective approach.” – Philip Cockram, Managing Partner.

Surjit Verdi – Family

Surjit joined Pinney Talfourd in May 2023 from a Legal 500 firm, where she was a Partner and Head of the Family Law Department. She qualified in 2004 and has specialised in Family Law throughout her career. Surjit advises on divorce, financial remedy, cohabitation, separation and pre and post-nuptial agreements. She often acts for client who are high net worth individuals or in cases which are complex.

“Surjit has quickly proved herself to be an outstanding addition to the firm, bringing technical expertise, commercial awareness and exceptional client service that benefits not only her clients but also the entire firm.”– Philip Cockram, Managing Partner.

Recognising Achievement

These promotions are a testament to the hard work, expertise, and commitment that Lisa, Alex, and Surjit have shown throughout their careers. Each of them has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their clients and colleagues, and their contributions have been instrumental in the continued growth and success of the firm.

We are proud to recognise their achievements and look forward to the leadership and vision they will bring in their new roles as Partners.