Wedlake Bell continues its trend of growth with two further lateral hires

James’ 25 years’ experience in commercial real estate matters ranges from investment acquisitions and disposals to development and secured lending. In addition, James is acknowledged as a leading individual in the legal directories for the hotel and leisure sector. He will continue to expand this significant offering at Wedlake Bell and specialises in advising privately owned and family run businesses of single hotels up to large portfolios. James acts for domestic and international clients from institutional investors to family offices and entrepreneurs.

Emma’s long-standing practice encompasses all aspects of residential real estate for clients ranging from private investors and banks to developers and tenants and landlords. She has a particular expertise in the property investments of high net worth clients. Emma’s focus will include advising on portfolio transactions, property management and first registrations of unregistered titles; a recent instruction involved the first registration and transfers of part to restructure a substantial rural property between family members.

Emma and James’ arrival takes the total partnership at Wedlake Bell to 80. Their experience will add to the firm’s already strong commercial and private client property offering. Emma and James’ recruitment follows the firm’s hires of Clarissa Levi, Hollie Gallagher and Simon Blackburn earlier in 2025 alongside the organic growth of  four lawyers being promoted to Partner this year.

Martin Arnold, Managing Partner at Wedlake Bell, comments:

“The recruitment of two further Partners continues our strategic growth after a record financial year. We are thrilled to welcome James Fry and Emma Sear to Wedlake Bell’s burgeoning partnership which now stands at 80. Their arrival marks our intent to continue to expand our already substantial offering in both the commercial property and private client spheres for our global client base and new business.”