New promotions at award-winning law firm FBC Manby Bowdler

Award-winning law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has announced a quartet of promotions. 

The firm – which has bases in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Shropshire and Worcestershire – says the appointments are part of its ongoing growth and reflect the continued development of its team. 

Rowan Jones and Milena Stras have been promoted to the role of Associate, while both Sunah Ali and Bethany Stephens-Wood have qualified as solicitors. 

Rowan joined the firm in 2017 as an apprentice paralegal and undertook a five-year placement whilst studying part time with BPP University. In 2024, she successfully qualified as a solicitor in the Contentious Trust and Probate department. 

She works across all the firm’s offices and specialises in a range of issues arising from disputed trusts and estates and is also one of the firm’s team of mental health first aiders.  

Milena, who is based in the Knowle office, graduated from the University of Leicester in 2017 and qualified as a solicitor in 2023. 

She joined FBC Manby Bowdler as a solicitor in the Wills, Probate & Lifetime Planning team in July 2025 and deals with all aspects of private client matters including wills, lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and probate.   

Sunah, who works in Wolverhampton and Birmingham, joined FBC Manby Bowdler in 2022 as a legal administrator before progressing to the role of trainee solicitor in 2024 and qualifying as a solicitor in the firm's Corporate Law department this year.  

She provides corporate and commercial services to businesses and individuals throughout the West Midlands and surrounding areas.  

Bethany, who is based in the firm’s Shrewsbury office, joined FBC Manby Bowdler’s Wills, Probate & Lifetime Planning department earlier this year as a trainee solicitor before qualifying this month. 

She advises on a full range of private client work including the administration of estates, obtaining probate and the creation and administration of trusts. 

FBC Manby Bowdler is among the fastest-growing law firms in the country after becoming a founding member of the Adeptio Law Group which was launched following a £30m private equity investment by Horizon Capital in 2024. 

Chief executive Neil Lloyd said he was delighted with the latest promotions, which highlighted the firm’s commitment to developing talent and widening access to a career in the law. 

“These appointments are all thoroughly deserved and well-earned and it is particularly satisfying to see how all four have been able to further develop their careers with us.   

“I wish them every success in their careers and look forward to working with them and seeing the contribution they make to our continued growth for many years to come.” 

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Editors notes

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a 30-Partner award winning regional law firm focused on and committed to intelligently delivering stellar service to its customers.

The firm's approach is 'One Team' and is committed to delivering the greatest quality of service and advice possible. FBC Manby Bowdler's Client Charter explains the firm's promises to clients about the stellar service experience they can expect to receive.

FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is recognised in the 2019 Legal 500 Directory as a top tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates, Contentious Trusts & Probate, Family, and Commercial Litigation.

For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk, or follow the firm on Twitter @FBCManbyBowdler.