August 2019 The Official Journal of Leeds Law Society ...Barker Brooks Communications Ltd 26 Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2EW ... Law Society and Leeds City Council

The Official Journal of Leeds Law Society

LeedsLaw Society

FocusNeurodiversity in the workplace and career options for legal students take centre stage

NewsA scheme designed to encourage more new lawyers to consider a career in-house launches

SocietyDavid Barraclough provides an update on the proposed Law Society council reforms

ProfileJames Peel is a recently promoted partner in the commercial and IP team at Rollits in Hull

CommentPatrick Walker looks forward to the rebuilding of his childhood home and of the country

August 2019Issue 159

Leeds PrideThe legal sector demonstrates its commitment to LGBT+

at the Leeds Pride celebration

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LeedsLaw Society

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August 2019 | Issue 159

Views President’s Column 05Emma Pearmaine emphasises the importance of engagement and collaboration in Leeds and Yorkshire

Leeds Pride 08Leeds Pride 2019 on 4 August demonstrated the legal sector’s support for the LGBT+ community

NewsLead 12IDHL is running a pilot work placement scheme for student lawyers with a view to introducing the programme on an annual basis, following a showcase event held recently for students and businesses in Yorkshire

Business Development 13North Yorkshire Law and Bedwell Watts & Co completed their merger on Yorkshire Day, while Chadwick Lawrence and Whitaker Firth have joined forces

Legal & Community 20Representatives from Yorkshire law firms and businesses have paid their respects to Vanessa Fox, the former head of family law at Keebles who passed away in May following a long illness

Social & Charity 25More than 500 people participated in the annual Leeds Legal Walk in June

Appointments 27Clarion, rradar, Switalskis, Keebles, Thrive Law, Williamsons, Morrish, Blacks and Ison Harrison all feature in the latest round-up of appointments and promotions

Focus onDemolition 28Patrick Walker looks forward to the rebuilding of his childhood home and of the country

Neurodiversity 30Torque Law is breaking down some of the stigmas around neurodiversity and helping businesses build their knowledge-base on how to manage employees with these conditions

SHU Law 31Sheffield Hallam University’s new law firm is aiming to meet the unmet legal needs of the local community in South Yorkshire

Law Society 32David Barraclough, the Yorkshire representative on the council membership committee, explains why and how the Law Society council is being reformed

Last wordBecoming a commercial contract drafter 34James Peel is a recently promoted partner in the commercial and intellectual property team at Rollits in Hull

Contents

Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 159 3

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20THANNIVERSARY


Leeds Law Society is continuing to work hard to engage with our fellow local law societies, local membership, non-member legal practitioners and non-legal partners.

The Leeds Conference in June, delivered by Leeds Law Society in association with Leeds City Council, sparked some great new initiatives in Leeds. Leeds Law Society and Leeds City Council are very conscious of the revenue and employment contribution that the legal sector makes to both the city and the Yorkshire region. Leeds City Council is attracting big commercial investment into Leeds and the surrounding areas, and the council also wants to support commercial firms to expand and develop their legal businesses. It is recognised that competitive, quality legal services are key for investors when they develop their business interests in Leeds and Yorkshire.

The council also supports our direct-to-consumer legal services, recognising the need for Leeds residents to have direct access to legal advice and support, and the ongoing commitment Leeds lawyers make to legal aid.

Legal tech is the future of all legal services, and it was a surprise for me to learn that Leeds has played a very big part in legal tech development over the years. After the success of the Leeds Conference, Leeds Law Society, supported by Leeds City Council, organised a roundtable event for law firms and tech companies, to discuss and consider how everyone can collaborate to expedite the development of legal tech in Leeds. Everyone who attended has said it was a fantastic event and plans are being made to explore future collaboration. It is hoped that commercial and direct-to-consumer legal services will benefit from collaboration in the region and we urge firms to get in touch with us if this is something you would like to find out more about.

We have also been collaborating with other law societies in the region and across the country. We continue to support the Yorkshire Union of Law Societies (YULS) and host its meetings and support its initiatives. This becomes increasingly important as smaller local societies depend on collaboration with other societies to host events and deliver support to their memberships. David Barraclough is president of YULS and we are privileged to have him as a director of Leeds Law Society, too.

David is also chair of the Yorkshire Legal Support Trust (YLST). In 2018, David took over planning the route of the 10km Leeds Legal Walk, revamping it to ensure that the walkers see the best parts of Leeds City Centre. Thirty-five teams entered and 316 walkers represented law firms, chambers, societies and universities in Leeds and Yorkshire in 2018. This year, all records were broken, with more than 65 teams and 550 walkers taking part in June, making the 2019 Leeds Legal Walk officially the biggest legal walk

outside of London. David’s time spent planning the route, encouraging people to take part and raising awareness of the Access to Justice Foundation has paid dividends, and the walk is expected to raise more than £15,000 this year. Incredible!

Leeds Law Society maintains its collaborative relationship with the group of law societies known as The Joint V, representing Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool. This summer, we met to share best practice and see how we can support each other to continue to represent our members in the biggest legal communities outside of London. As The Joint V, we also met with Simon Davies, the new president of the Law Society of England and Wales. Simon is very determined to support legal practitioners across the country in his year of office and understands the importance of consulting with and representing the big legal regions outside of London. He came to Leeds to support the legal communities march at Leeds Pride and he is scheduled to return again soon for further discussion with Leeds Law Society, as well as to speak at our annual dinner next March. We also met separately with Paul Tenant, chief executive of the Law Society, who is keeping us up to date with national initiatives and taking our counsel on what Leeds Law Society members want to see from their national representatives.

Leeds Law Society has organised and hosted many local events and attended lots of national events over the last few months. Highlights have been the traditional Leeds Law Society golf tournament at Ganton, the business and development networking events, adult mental health first aid training, health and wellbeing events, and of course, Leeds Pride, for which local law firms turned out to join us with gusto and glitter in abundance. We have also represented Leeds at the Women in the Law Symposium in London and we are inspired to hold our own Women in the Law event later this year—watch this space!

Finally, but certainly most importantly, we are currently visiting lots of our member firms to see what they want us to deliver in our events and training programmes. We have had very interesting and proactive conversations with managing partners and HR managers at lots of Leeds firms, discussing how they can use corporate membership of Leeds Law Society to support the personal development programmes of their staff, promote local networking and to collaborate on projects and initiatives. Big and small firms that we meet with are unanimously acknowledging how important it is to maintain membership of Leeds Law Society and to work together with our partners to support and develop legal services in Leeds. Give us a call if you would like us to make a visit to your firm to discuss how we can help you further.


President’s Column

Stop, collaborate and listen

LeedsLaw Society

Emma Pearmaine is managing director of Ridley & Hall Legal and president of Leeds Law Society

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20THANNIVERSARY



Interview

What’s taking up your time at the moment as chair of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society of England and Wales?

One of our biggest hurdles at the moment is the lack of protection afforded to junior lawyers and the impact that this is having upon training, development and mental ill-health. This is a particular concern in light of the forthcoming introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination in 2020. We have been lobbying the Solicitors Regulation Authority to take action over the last few months, without success, although we are beginning to see some positive action being taken by those employing junior lawyers, particularly in relation to ensuring that those firms have healthy working environments, which

is very pleasing to see. The Junior Lawyers

Division (JLD) will continue

pushing this cause until

we see positive changes.

Your priorities include promoting access to the profession, and promoting diversity and inclusion. How are you looking to address these issues, particularly with 2019 being 100 years since women earned the right to practice law?

The JLD is undertaking a wealth of work at the moment to better the profession. For example, we have undertaken a significant amount of work on resilience and wellbeing, including publishing best practice guidance for employers, hosting and attending roundtables, speaking at numerous legal events and publishing articles. We are also heavily involved in the development of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and ensuring that access to the profession is based on merit alone.

We sit on a number of working parties (such as the Criminal Legal Aid Review, Professional Engagement Groups (court reforms), Legal Professionals Mental Health & Wellbeing Taskforce and Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service, to name a few), as well as Law Society committees, which gives us the opportunity to push key priorities for junior lawyers. We would encourage all junior lawyers to join a Law Society committee and and/or stand in the council elections.

In addition to this, we ensure that all of our conferences and forums include sessions which promote inclusivity and diversity. For example, our keynote speaker at our 2019 annual conference was Dana Denis-Smith, founder of the 100 Years Project, and Kieran Pender, of the International Bar Association (IBA), also spoke about the IBA’s research into bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.

How diverse and inclusive is the profession proving to be in Yorkshire at the moment? Is there still a lot of work to do?

The legal profession as a whole is starting to become more diverse and inclusive, but mostly at the junior end. JLD events are always well-attended by minority groups, which indicates to us that BAME and female aspiring lawyers are entering the profession, but there is still a lot of work that can be done to ensure diversity and equality in more senior positions and that we, as a profession, ensure that we retain talent.

Success should be based on merit alone. It is hugely important to acknowledge the success of any individual that has demonstrated exceptional ability. Talent comes in all shapes and sizes.

We would also encourage all members to reach out for support, guidance and encouragement—the JLD provides lots of opportunities, both educational and social, for networking with members of the profession which can only assist in propelling your career.

A wealth of workSwitalskis associate solicitor Amy Clowrey, chair of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society of England and Wales, gives an update on what she and her colleagues are working on

8 Issue 159 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer

Leeds Pride

Proud at PrideLeeds Pride 2019 demonstrated the legal sector’s support for the LGBT+ community in the city and the wider Yorkshire region

Leeds Pride

Leeds Law Society took part in Leeds Pride on 4 August—and what a Pride it was! Although final numbers attending the city-wide event have yet to be confirmed, it was clear that it was the biggest Pride to-date.

This year, Leeds Law Society was joined once again by the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council and CILEX, which marched under the banner of #LegalPride. Together, both societies saw the number of attendees more than double from last year, showing even greater support for the LGBT+ community.

The day began with a pre-parade reception kindly hosted and sponsored by Addleshaw Goddard. The event was attended by Simon Davies, president of the Law Society, as well as Craig Burton from Friends of Dorothy, who

gave an interesting and informative talk about the work that the organisation is doing, not only in Leeds, but across the country, to support older members of the LGBT+ community.

Suitably refreshed and armed with a ‘Parade Survival Pack’ supplied by Weightmans, participants walked up to The Rose Bowl ready for the parade.

Thankfully, save for a few drops before the parade began, the rain held off until much later in the day, which helped all of those taking part to march with Pride.

A special thanks must also go to Zenith Chambers, which generously hosted a post-parade reception at Shears Yard where attendees could reflect on the importance of Pride and the impact of the parade.

Matthew Jones, director at Leeds Law Society, said: “This was without a doubt

the biggest and proudest Pride yet, not only for the city of Leeds but also for Leeds Law Society. The generosity of the sponsors was simply amazing and the show of support from a cross section of firms was a demonstration of the importance both the city and the legal sector place on equality and diversity.”

“I have been incredibly moved and humbled by the support of all the firms who have been involved. For me, it shows how the members of Leeds Law Society are keen to make this society one of the most inclusive in the country.”

He added: “We have lots of things in the pipeline so please do keep an eye out for future events, however, after this year’s success, we are going to be planning our participation in Leeds Pride 2020 very soon!”



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NewsLead


IDHL is running a pilot work placement scheme for student lawyers with a view to introducing the programme on an annual basis, following a showcase event held in June for students and businesses in Yorkshire.

Organised by BPP Law School and Harrogate-based Haddleton Legal, the scheme is designed to encourage more new lawyers to consider a career in-house.

The event sparked interest from businesses, the CPS and Leeds City Council. Following the event, Leeds City Council and two other businesses advertised vacancies with BPP.

The CPS and Leeds City Council were able to promote their annual work experience programmes and a range of alternative and non-legal career pathways to law students from across Yorkshire.

The opportunities that could be available through the scheme include CV building experiences for UK and international students looking to qualify as solicitors, barristers or paralegals, as well as longer term opportunities such as training contracts or alternative career options within a business, according to Kate Bassett, head of careers at BPP Law School.

The event in June introduced the scheme to SAP, Leeds City Council, the Association of Costs Lawyers, the CPS, the Care Quality Commission, HESCO, Ilke Homes, IDHL, Social Work England, Jet2, Zenith and F-Lex.

Post-graduate and undergraduate law students from BPP, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University and the Universities of Leeds, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield and Bradford also attended.

Bassett said the initial expressions of interest in the scheme, coupled with those already onboard, is promising for its future.

She said: “The feedback has been very positive, from both students and businesses. The overall message was to hold another event, which we’re planning to do in November.”

Students who attended the event saw the difference between an in-house position and working in private practice, said James Haddleton, who founded Haddleton Legal and spoke at the event in June. He explained: “In public and private organisations, students are likely to be exposed to a wider array of real issues, in real time,

than they would in private practice. They will be expected to make decisions quickly, and will have a better understanding of commercial risk and finding pragmatic solutions.”

Haddleton added: “There’s also the point to consider that the business of law is changing. There is an appetite to reduce costs at law firms. There are more paralegal roles and fewer training contracts available. Students need to think beyond the traditional route to becoming a solicitor if that’s what they want to do.”

Bassett said the scheme is a win-win for students and businesses. The latter, in particular, are facing business issues with increasingly complex legal requirements, including data protection, compliance, employment contracts and intellectual property.

“The scheme would help both students and businesses immensely,” Bassett explained. “It demonstrates to students what in-house work is like in practice. And for businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized entities, the benefit would be to have someone in-house actually answering legal questions on a daily basis, and the improvement in decision making that would come with it.”

“The scheme would show them how much of a good idea it would be to recruit an in-house counsel, or at least a paralegal or trainee.”

Organisations introduced to new in-house scheme for law students

Chadwick Lawrence and Whitaker Firth have merged to offer customers a wider range of services in more locations across Yorkshire.

Chadwick Lawrence has offices in Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifax, Wakefield, Morley, Pudsey and Horbury, while Whitaker Firth is based in Bradford and Guiseley.

All members of staff are being retained in the merger, with the combined total now standing at 223 with 37 partners.

The 160-year-old Chadwick Lawrence is one of the largest law firms in Yorkshire.

The law firm provides a full range of business and personal services, while lawyers at Whitaker Firth specialise in property and private client matters.

Chadwick Lawrence managing partner Neil Wilson said: “We are extremely excited to announce the merger of Chadwick Lawrence and Whitaker Firth. Both businesses and customers will benefit greatly from the merger as we can provide a wider range of legal services in two more locations.”

“Whitaker Firth has a very strong reputation built over many years in Guiseley and Bradford in particular having had a presence in the city dating back over 100 years.”

Wilson added: “The move is part of our long-term plans for significant growth as ‘Yorkshire’s legal people’ and further increases our reach across the county.”

Whitaker Firth partner Alexandra Wright said: “We share the same values, culture and approach as Chadwick Lawrence so it is a perfect fit for both parties.”

“Our customers will be able to access more business and personal services with all their legal requirements now met under one roof.”

Wright added: “Both firms bring a depth of talent that will boost our position given we have complementary skill sets and client bases.”

North Yorkshire Law and Bedwell Watts & Co completed their merger on Yorkshire Day.

The newly merged firm will now operate out of North Yorkshire Law’s headquarters in Scarborough town centre.

The decision to join forces and merge stems from a shared desire to offer a larger, even more responsive team to the personal and business matters of the local community in and around North Yorkshire.

Both North Yorkshire Law and Bedwell Watts & Co are well versed in merging with complementary practices to strengthen their offerings, having both reached their current levels of success through respective mergers.

Richard Boyd, managing partner of North Yorkshire Law, said: “I think I speak on behalf of everyone at North Yorkshire Law when I say how pleased we are to announce our merger with Bedwell Watts & Co. We believe that we offer something truly special to clients by having a team that can draw on

time served experience from the past and deliver this using a modern approach to law. Our latest development enhances that experience further.”

Hillary Watts, partner at Bedwell Watts & Co, added: “North Yorkshire Law was the natural choice for us when we explored the possibility of a merger. We’re delighted to have reached this arrangement and trust that our existing clients will enjoy unparalleled levels of service and expertise.

Richard Creasey, partner at Bedwell Watts & Co. reflected on the significance of announcing the next stage in both firms’ now combined journey on Yorkshire Day: “Both Bedwell Watts & Co and North Yorkshire Law have made a success in the legal profession by delivering often intricate legal representation in a way that is human, transparent and compassionate … you might even say, in a quintessentially Yorkshire way. The plans that we have now laid down together ensure that this way of working can continue for the long term.”

North Yorkshire Law and Bedwell Watts & Co merge

Chadwick Lawrence and Whitaker Firth merge

NewsBusiness Development



News Business Development

The will, trust and estate disputes team at Irwin Mitchell has succeeded in a High Court dispute that gives warning to the behaviour of executors and administrators.

Leeds-based Irwin Mitchell specialist will, trust and estate disputes solicitor Richard Smaller represented Kirsty Cadogan in her case against her brother, Kevin Cadogan.

Their mother, Veronica Cadogan, died in September 2011 and Kirsty and Kevin Cadogan, two of her five children, became administrators of her estate.

Her will dictated the estate, involving 14 UK and international properties thought to be worth around £2.4 million, should be shared amongst her five children equally.

Kirsty instructed specialist will, trust and estate dispute lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to handle her case as she first brought a claim against her brother and administrator Kevin in 2016 for an account of his dealings with the estate on the footing of wilful default.

She stated that the family business, which was being run by Kevin, had used five of the estate properties without paying occupation rent and that Kevin had failed to account for rental monies from other properties. Kirsty also sought to appoint a professional administrator in their place.

Kirsty had herself taken rent from the estate’s properties for her own personal use, but had always maintained she would pay the money she owed back and asked the court to allow her to account in common form. Kevin, however, counterclaimed for an order that his sister should account on a footing of wilful default.

The court therefore needed to decide whether the personal representatives of this estate should be ordered to account ’in common form’—that they only need to pay back any money

they kept for themselves less any expenditure occurred—or if they should account on a footing of wilful default, meaning they should pay back the money the estate should have received had they been acting like a reasonable personal representative.

Barrister Francis Ng of Selborne Chambers was instructed by Irwin Mitchell to represent Kirsty in court.

Kevin must now account for the money he had kept from the estate as well as the money that the estate should have received, likely to be a considerable sum, following the High Court’s ruling.

Will dispute experts at Irwin Mitchell argue the case highlights the importance of personal representatives’ behaviour and that they should always act in the best interest of the estate—or risk a claim in court.

Smaller said: “We are very pleased with the result for our client Ms Cadogan, which has been several years in the making.”

“Ms Cadogan always intended to pay back the money she had owed and that she would account on a common footing, and we are pleased the judge recognised this in his judgement.”

He added: “The case goes to show it is not always in the best interest of all parties to appoint family members as personal representatives, which is actually quite a specialist job.”

“In some scenarios they can have the best intentions but make mistakes due to a lack of experience, and in others the personal representative can be found to be wilfully negligent as was the situation here.”

“We urge anyone in a similar position to take expert advice as soon as possible as there are strict rules and deadlines which need to be adhered to as a personal representative which can be complicated for those who don’t have experience in probate.”

Irwin Mitchell team succeeds in High Court

Law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors has acted as legal adviser to an independent property business on its multi-million pound investment strategy.

Sheffield Investment Company Limited (SICL) is focusing solely on the commercial sector while expanding its geographical base.

Nick Pearce, managing director of SICL, explained: “Established in 1918, SICL is a thriving, independent family business, which, until recently, has owned and managed a mix of residential and commercial properties in the Sheffield region.”

“Over the past two years, we have reshaped our portfolio to focus solely on the commercial property side of the business, which has enabled us to expand into new areas across the region, including Hull and East Yorkshire. Recent investment properties include the purchase of Saxon Business Park in Hessle

and an office investment in Meadowhall, Sheffield.”Pearce added: “We have worked with Andrew Jackson for

many years now and we are always more than happy with the level of service we receive. The legal advice and guidance that Paul Barker and his team have provided on our investment strategy has been particularly valuable and enables us to look ahead to the next stage of our growth.”

Paul Barker, partner and head of property at Andrew Jackson, commented: “It is always particularly rewarding to help long-standing clients realise their ambitions. SICL is a great example of a family business that has successfully reshaped its business and invested accordingly. We’re looking forward to working with the team on future projects as they continue to seek out commercial opportunities across the region.”

The shipping and transport team at Andrew Jackson recently advised global logistics company Blue Water Shipping (BWS) A/S Denmark on numerous contracts for the supply of transport and logistics for the Tengiz oilfield.

Leading a number of consortiums comprising contractors from various countries including Kazakhstan, the UK, Russia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria, BWS’s work on the Tengiz project includes the transportation of modules involving the construction of 20 vessels, nine new tugs and a number of modified barges and existing tugs, as well as modified mooring pontoons.

Andrew Jackson advises property business on investment strategy

Leeds-based Addleshaw Goddard reported record firm-wide revenue and profit in the 2018/19 financial year, with every office experiencing growth in income and five key sectors contributing 60% of earnings.

Addleshaw Goddard earned global revenue of £275.4 million. This was the highest on record for the firm and 14% up year on year. It was also the second consecutive year of double digit income growth.

Profit exceeded £100 million for the first time ever, increasing 16% on the previous financial year.

Every Addleshaw Goddard office experienced growth in both income and headcount. The Leeds-based office of the firm welcomed the arrival of tax and structuring partner Martin Griffiths earlier this year.

The energy and utilities, financial services, health and life sciences,

retail and consumer, transport sectors contributed 60% of revenue in the 2018/19 financial year.

A highlight was the Addleshaw Goddard real estate team acting on the complex, high-value pre-let to Premier Farnell of the largest ever warehouse development in Leeds.

The new 361,000 square foot distribution centre is located at Muse Developments’s flagship Logic Leeds site on the southeast side of the city.

Commenting on the firm-wide results, John Joyce, managing partner of Addleshaw Goddard said: “Another very strong year—financially and operationally.”

“Organic revenue growth of 14% combined with a 37% profit margin and our second consecutive year of double digit growth shows the resilience, strength and ambition across our business with all divisions, every office and every jurisdiction outperforming plan.”

Gordons has advised British retailer Iceland Foods on the 100th store acquisition of its expanding store format, The Food Warehouse.

The law firm’s commercial property team, including Joanne Fearnley, Jennifer Herdman and Sarah Ratcliffe, has handled all store acquisitions for Iceland in England and Wales since 2017. Iceland has been a client of the firm for more than five years.

Ratcliffe recently dealt with the milestone 100th Food Warehouse store for Iceland, a 10,000 square foot high-quality retail warehouse store located at Blackpool Retail Park in Blackpool.

During 2018, Iceland opened a total of 45 new stores, including 31 under its Food Warehouse format.

Launched in 2014 and targeted at car users, as well as those in the hospitality and catering sectors, The Food Warehouse offers customers a range of frozen, chilled, fresh and branded

grocery products, as well as case saver and pallet line deals from convenient and accessible out-of-town trading locations.

Commenting on the relationship with Gordons, Iceland property and acquisitions director Simon Anderson said: “We continue to be very impressed by the way Gordons consistently deliver for us. Their team understand our requirements and they share our sense of urgency in getting things done. They are an important part of The Food Warehouse’s continued success.”

Sarah Ratcliffe added: “It is hugely rewarding to support Iceland in The Food Warehouse’s continued expansion. They are a fast-growing retailer maximising opportunities in the current market thanks to a fantastic store format, a clear growth strategy and smart property acquisitions.”

The law firm serves a number of retail brands, including AO World, B&M, Charles Tyrwhitt, Moss Bros, Nisa, The Original Factory Shop, Pavers, Pep & Co and Wren Kitchens.

Gordons advises Iceland on 100th store

Addleshaw Goddard has stellar financial year





The corporate team at Schofield Sweeney recently completed a hat-trick of deals in a week.

Partner Adrian Ballam and solicitor James Farrell advised Leeds-headquartered cleaning product manufacturer Star Brands, with turnover of £30 million, on its management buyout financed by investment firm Mobeus.

Chris Blantern, partner at Schofield Sweeney, and solicitor Daniel Bisby advised estate agency Morgans on its acquisition by Linley & Simpson.

That deal added more than 1,450 homes to the lettings portfolio of Linley & Simpson, which now stands at 8,000 properties across 16 branches in North and West Yorkshire.

This deal took place within days of the Schofield Sweeney corporate team also advising Greenhous Group on its acquisition of commercial vehicle dealer Adams Morey, a business with £61 million in turnover that holds the DAF franchise in Central Southern England.

Managing partner Martin Sweeney and legal executive Kate Fox of Schofield Sweeney acted as legal advisers to Greenhous Group.

Steven Millward, partner at Schofield Sweeney, commented

on the deals: “Despite the continued uncertainty around Brexit, we are delighted to see deal activity continuing apace.”

“Completing three transactions over such a short timeframe at the beginning of July is testament to the strength in depth of the team and our ability to be able to

work with clients to deliver transactions to tight timescales.”“Our pipeline for the rest of 2019 continues to look strong

and we look forward to working with clients to help them realise strategic opportunities during the rest of the year”.

Blantern added: “We are here to help growing firms realise their ambitions and move on to the next stage of their development. I wish all of the teams involved the very best.”

Schofield Sweeney completes three deals in a week

Family and employment law firm Consilia Legal has retained newly qualified trainee solicitors Emma Cartlidge and Nikol Loutchansk.

Leeds- and Harrogate-based Consilia Legal’s decision to retain two trainee solicitors follows a significant period of growth at the firm.

Cartlidge and Loutchanska both started at the firm as paralegals. Cartlidge, who has just qualified, said: “I am delighted to be continuing my legal career with Consilia Legal as a qualified solicitor in the firm’s prestigious employment team.”

“I would like to say a huge thank you to [Consilia Legal founders] Marie [Walsh] and Laura [Clapton] who have supported me in my journey since I joined the firm in September 2015 and to the team for their ongoing support and encouragement.”

Loutchanska, who has also qualified, added: “I am very excited to be continuing my legal career as a solicitor at Consilia and feel very fortunate to be able to work alongside such a lovely and supportive team.”

The firm recruited paralegal Matthew Bretherick earlier this year to assist in the family and employment departments. He said: “Since joining in March I am really enjoying it at Consilia Legal. We have a great team and it is a lovely place to work. I feel like I am in the best place to start and further my legal career.”

Last year, the family team welcomed Sarah Manning, an experienced family law solicitor and accredited mediator. She assists Clapton in the family department.

Clapton said of Manning’s appointment: “Sarah’s approach to family law and dispute resolution is perfectly in line with our ethos as a firm and strengthens our family mediation offering. Sarah has been a fantastic addition to our growing team.”

This year has also seen two promotions in the employment law team.

Employment solicitor Victoria Horner has been promoted to

senior associate and employment solicitor Andy Boyde is now an associate.

Horner said: “I am delighted to have been promoted, following what has been an extremely busy year for the employment team and firm as a whole. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the fantastic team of people we have at the firm, to build on its success in the future.”

Boyde said of his promotion: “Whilst the firm as a collective continues to go from strength to strength it is pleasing that my individual efforts have been recognised by the directors and they have rewarded my hard work and dedication with a promotion to associate level within the firm.”

Consilia Legal was founded by directors Walsh and Clapton, who set up the firm in November 2014. It is now made up of two directors, five solicitors and two paralegals.

Walsh said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the progress of the firm over the last 18 months. To be in a position to train and retain solicitors on qualification and to promote internally giving some real structure to the practice is a dream come true and will hopefully help us to grow further in the coming years.”

“We really appreciate all of our colleagues at Consilia Legal and they have a massive input into the success of the firm.”

Consilia Legal continues to grow as it retains trainees

Leeds-based Front Row Legal has won an appeal on behalf of a Huddersfield employment agency in its dispute with a former director who was found liable for more than £650,000 last year.

Court of Appeal Lord Justices McCombe, Bean and Lewison dismissed former Keystone Healthcare director Colin Parr’s appeal during a hearing that was streamed live on 9 July.

Business law specialist Front Row Legal acted for Keystone in its claims against Parr, who was a director and shareholder in the employment agency, which supplies staff to the NHS, until 2014.

Keystone co-director Richard Ward agreed to pay Parr £1.2 million for his 38% shareholding when he left the firm.

Parr then set up a new company in direct competition with Keystone, doing so in breach of his employment contract.

A little over 18 months later, Keystone discovered that its payroll system had been compromised months prior to the departure of Parr, and a series of bogus payments made to accounts controlled by him and IT consultant Mark Reynard. The misappropriated funds ran to more than £128,000.

Keystone immediately had the accounts frozen and launched legal proceedings. In February 2018, Parr was ordered to repay the diverted funds.

Then in June, High Court Judge Stephen Davies ruled that Parr had been in breach of his duties as a director of Keystone and therefore must pay back the difference between the amount he received for his shares and the 50% discount that would have applied, under the applicable regulations, had the company been aware of the bogus payments. This overpayment amounted to £650.612.04.

Parr unsuccessfully appealed against this second ruling. Front Row Legal managing partner Richard Cramer said: “We are delighted at the outcome of today’s Court of Appeal case. Before our barrister had made even a single submission to the court, the appellant Colin Parr had his appeal dismissed.”

Cramer continued: “This effectively this brings an end to the two years of litigation and the dismissal of the appeal clearly shows that the result achieved by Keystone Healthcare 12 months ago at Manchester High Court was emphatic. It now means that Mr Parr, in addition to having to pay costs, is required to reimburse his former company with the significant sum overpaid for his shareholding, together with interest.”

He added: “The legal team that worked on this matter, including Partner Robina Hussein and our barrister Martin Budworth, have achieved an outstanding result for Keystone Healthcare due to their hard work and dedication.”

Front Row Legal secures Court of Appeal win



Yorkshire law firm Newtons Solicitors has opened a new Wakefield office with the support of a six-figure funding package from HSBC.

HSBC’s funding has enabled the firm to purchase a new 3,000 square foot office at Calder Park, on the outskirts of Wakefield.

The new premises gives Newtons the platform to further tap into West Yorkshire’s buoyant commercial property market, while providing its full range of legal services to customers in the Wakefield area.

The firm’s new office will initially be home to four experienced solicitors—Roy Cusworth, Daniel Hilton, Helen Thompson and Holly Buxton—who have recently been recruited by Newtons.

Hilton has been appointed as a director and will lead the Wakefield team.

Newtons expects to create more than 25 new jobs, including solicitors, support teams and compliance officers, at its Wakefield office and increase its total turnover by 20% over the next 24 months.

Chris Newton, managing director of Newtons, said: “We strategically hired our new team for their expertise and reputations. Wakefield is a fantastic opportunity for us and the level of new client instructions and support so far show us that the office will be a great success. We are delighted to expand our profile and work with the people and businesses of Wakefield.”

Andrew Yeomans, commercial manager for North and West

Yorkshire at HSBC, added: “Newtons Solicitors has over 10 very successful years of experience so we are pleased to continue to support the further growth as we have done since the business was a new start up. West Yorkshire’s economy is continuing to grow and Newtons’ new office is well-placed to capitalise on the opportunities available.”

Newtons, headquartered in Knaresborough, has 12 offices across County Durham, Teesside and Yorkshire. The firm employs 110 people and reported turnover of £5.7 million in 2019.

Newtons opens new office with funding from HSBC



Bevan Brittan has reported continued growth in revenue for the previous financial year, as the firm made substantial investments in its capability and capacity in Leeds.

Turnover reached £46 million during the past financial year, up 4.5% from the £44 million generated in 2017/18.

The firm’s net profit also increased, reaching £9.97 million.Michael Boyd, Bevan Brittan’s office head in Leeds, commented:

“This has been another strong financial year for the firm and since 2012/13 we have, over the last six years, organically grown our revenue by 40%.”

“We have built upon last year’s excellent growth in revenue and

profit and invested in new systems and processes to support our clients, attracted new talent and begun refurbishing our offices.”

Bevan Brittan signed a new 10-year lease for its office in Leeds, following a significant expansion and refurbishment. It also upgraded its IT infrastructure with a new practice management system and software to further support agile working.

The firm recruited several new faces in Leeds over the past year, including litigation partner Judith Hopper, clinical risk senior associate Susan Trigg, and local government senior associate David Kitson.

Boyd pointed to the vibrancy of the Northern economy as a major factor in Bevan Brittan’s success in the past 12 months.

He said: “There is a vibrant economy in the North, with a dynamic market and great potential for growth. The firm has a clear strategy for a balanced client portfolio that focuses on local government, the NHS and independent and social care and the wider housing sector—and also expanding into new markets focused upon energy sustainability, manufacturing and technology. As a result we now advise more than 800 businesses.”

“During the year, we have recruited senior legal professionals that have broadened our offering in specialist areas including corporate and commercial, regeneration and property, information law and the digital economy.”

He concluded: “Seven years of continuous revenue growth has given us the solid financial performance platform to invest in and maintain excellent service delivery for our clients. In Leeds, we have successfully doubled the size of our office, fitting it out to a high standard and supporting true agile working for all our staff.”

Law firm 3volution has negotiated Active Partners’s investment in Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk.

London-based Active Partners has acquired a less than 25% shareholding in Northern Monk, which was founded in 2013 by Russell Bisset and Brian Dickson and now exports to 23 countries worldwide.

The brewery attracted a loyal following from its inception and has had to ramp up its production capabilities to cope with demand that has almost doubled each year.

In the last 12 months, due to a successful crowdfunding round, Northern Monk has significantly expanded its operations, moving into a much larger production facility located just five minutes from The Old Flax Store. The brewery added a state-of-the-art canning line and opened its second UK tap room in Manchester.

Commenting on the investment, Bisset said: “Like many of our peers we’ve had numerous approaches from big beer acquirers, investment firms and the rest. It has always been a resounding ‘no’ from us. We have a strong independent spirit and if a potential investor doesn’t share our values, or our vision for the future, we’re not interested. However, when we were approached by Active Partners, we felt the synergy was just right.”

“We’ve been working with Active Partners for some time, in order for us to properly understand their business and for them to understand ours. They are deeply involved in the companies they support and make long term investments into truly authentic and visionary brands. We are all very excited about

this next significant phase in our development.”Bisset added: “3volution has been excellent in providing

expert advice; there was a lot to get in order to make sure that the investment worked for everyone, and they were a huge help in streamlining the process for all involved.”

Amy Wright, a partner at 3volution, concluded: “We are fortunate to have been involved with Russell and his team at Northern Monk since 2015. We have advised them at key stages of growth including their hugely successful crowd-funding initiative last year. This latest investment shows just how powerful their brand is becoming. They really are a force to be reckoned with.”

Bevan Brittan reports revenue growth amid Leeds investment

3volution assists with Northern Monk brewery investment

Irwin Mitchell has appointed 11 newly qualified (NQ) solicitors in Sheffield and Leeds.

In the business legal services team in Sheffield, Chloe Eyre (litigation), along with George Cohen, Erica Snellgrove and Anastasija Kozlova (real estate) will qualify into the firm in September after completing their training.

In Leeds, Jasmine Fearnley and Mollie Patterson have been retained by the employment team.

In the firm’s personal legal Services division in Sheffield, Kerry Wagner (Court of Protection), Edward Allan (family) and Stacey Hanson (medical negligence) will qualify this year.

They are joined in Leeds by Roopen Kalirai (family) and Sanna Mazhar (medical negligence).

Nationally, 45 out of 47 of trainees will stay on at the firm as NQ solicitors. This translates to a 96% retention rate, which is higher than last year’s 83% figure.

Marissa Sanders, head of early careers at Irwin Mitchell, commented: “This year’s newly qualified retention rate of 96% is an outstanding achievement reflecting both the calibre of our trainees and the training and support they receive in the business.”

At the start of May, Irwin Mitchell promoted eight people to partner level in its latest promotion round.

It also recently announced that it had promoted 90 people to

associate and senior associate roles across its legal and group services teams.

Irwin Mitchell retains 11 NQ solicitors in Sheffield and Leeds


News Business Development

LCF Law is celebrating the 21st anniversary of the registration of its domain name—and using the occasion to highlight the importance of protecting company names, domains and brands.

The Yorkshire law firm initially registered lcf.co.uk in the summer of 1998, which was two months before google.co.uk was registered and the search engine giant was born. It would also be another seven to 10 years before iconic internet giants such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook arrived on the scene.

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “In 1998 the internet was in its infancy, you needed a modem to connect to it and lots of patience! However as a forward-thinking business, we could immediately see its potential and how it was going to be transformational for our industry.”

“We started exploring how to capitalise on the online world and launched a website. We had to buy a domain name, so we went for www.lcf.co.uk because it was distinctive, straightforward and easy to remember.”

Stell continued: “At the time, some people suggested that creating a website for a law firm was frivolous and insignificant. However, we were ahead of the curve, as very few regional or national legal firms took the initiative that early on. It quickly became one of our best ever investments and has attracted millions of visitors over the years, doing a great job to illustrate LCF Law’s foresight and innovative approach to exploring new technologies.”

He added: “Another thing that became apparent early on was how important it is to trade mark both company names and domain names, because it can be easy for unscrupulous operators to impersonate companies or brands using the internet. They can register a similar domain and create a genuine looking website to divert users away from the site they were aiming for and there are lots of examples of this happening.”

Abid Perwaze, commercial and intellectual property solicitor at LCF Law, added: “Having the right trade marks in place makes it much easier to stop anyone that tries to do this and also helps to protect company names and brands. There’s a common misconception that it costs thousands of pounds to create a trade mark, but in most cases it can be done for just a few hundred pounds.”

LCF Law’s domain name turns 21

Leeds law firm Blacks Solicitors has launched a new podcast series that will feature a diverse range of leading Yorkshire

personalities.Hosted by Chris

Allen, who won the Managing Partner of the Year award at the 2018 Yorkshire Legal Awards, each episode of One to One features an in-depth interview.

Several podcasts are already available to download on iTunes and Spotify.

Interviewees include former Premier League footballer Brian

Deane, who spoke about his humble beginnings starting out at Doncaster Rovers and how his career (which spans three decades) has taken him all over the world.

Leeds historian Robert Dyson, sports performance coach Duncan McCarthy, and award-winning science fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky also feature.

Recorded in an informal and explorative way, Allen aims to unearth anecdotes from the interviewees’ experiences of living and working in Yorkshire.

On launching the podcast, Allen commented: “We’ve always been immensely proud of our Yorkshire heritage at Blacks, and so I wanted to delve a little deeper with some of the interesting folk that have contributed to a slice of history in our great county.”

“The response we’ve had so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I look forward to chatting to more inspiring people in our upcoming episodes.”

Anyone interested in featuring in a future episode of One to One is encouraged to contact Chris Allen on [email protected] or [email protected].

New podcast series from Blacks Solicitors


Representatives from Yorkshire law firms and businesses have paid their respects to Vanessa Fox, the former head of family law at Keebles who passed away in May following a long illness.

Vanessa was held in high esteem by her colleagues and peers who attended an informal memorial celebration at Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield, hosted by Keebles.

A committed and highly skilled family lawyer who is lauded in the latest Legal 500 Guide for being efficient, caring and robust and for her passion for collaboration, Vanessa led the firm’s family law department since 1991.

On marking 25 years in the role in 2016, Vanessa reflected how the last quarter of a century had brought seismic changes in family law, including landmark legal reform, rapid social and attitudinal shifts—along with major technological advances and heightened political scrutiny.

With more than three decades of expertise in her field, she developed a strong reputation specialising in high net worth cases and never managed a collaborative process that failed.

Vanessa’s valuable contribution to making a difference to the lives of her clients and passion for family law extended to the wider legal community. Lauded for her straight talking,

no nonsense approach, her raft of achievements included increasing membership and collaboration as chair of South Yorkshire Resolution during 2013-2017.

Lucy Rogers, the current chair of South Yorkshire Resolution who took over the reins from Vanessa, recalled: “When I became chair, Vanessa’s advice was ‘just delegate darling’. At committee meetings Vanessa had some fantastic phrases, many of which are unrepeatable! She was Resolution through and through and will be sorely missed.”

As an active member of Resolution’s regional liaison committee, Vanessa spearheaded a series of well-received events, which included hosting two highly successful family law dinners in Sheffield in 2014 and 2016. Attended by more than 180 barristers, solicitors and judges, the events jointly raised over £3,000 for the Kids in the Middle and Doncaster Domestic Violence charities.

A member of the Law Society’s family law panel and the children panel, the former head of family law was also a volunteer for Breast Cancer Care—a charity close to Vanessa’s heart and with which Keebles has partnered to help boost fundraising.

Michele Wightman, who leads the private client department at Keebles, commented: “As well as her exceptional ability it was Vanessa’s kindness and empathy for her clients that set her apart. Her passing leaves a big hole in the South Yorkshire legal community.”

Keebles partner Paul Trudgill, who has known and worked with Vanessa for 26 years, said: “Vanessa’s enormous contribution to the firm speaks for itself, and while everyone will have their own memory of her, what I will remember is her wit, charm and glorious eccentricity. Vanessa left an indelible impression on everyone she met or worked with—and we all miss her greatly.”

Exceptional, caring and colourful: Legal community pays tribute to Vanessa Fox

News Legal & Community



Mary Butler, a leading light of the Sheffield legal scene, passed away on the evening of 30 June, Bell & Buxton has announced. Mary had battled cancer for the past few years.

The senior partner

and head of contentious probate at Bell & Buxton was recognised as a leading lawyer in this field with more than 25 years of experience. She progressed this niche area of law and was a passionate advocate for the profession

The firm said in its announcement: “From her clients to her

colleagues and counterparts, Mary touched all of our lives and brought warmth, fortitude and tenacity to the Bell & Buxton family.”

“She was not just recognised as a brilliant legal mind in local circles, but nationally too, winning awards and accolades throughout her career. She always fought for what was right, and her moral compass was as strong as her faith. She will be much missed by friends and family alike.”

Fellow partner and long-time friend, Charles Neal, said: “Mary was a huge part of the Bell & Buxton family, and as sad as we are that she is gone, we are also equally grateful to have known her and considered her our friend, colleague, and mentor. She touched the lives of all that knew her and brought wisdom, humour and honesty with each encounter. Mike, Katharine, Edmund and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Mary died peacefully at home with care, love, and support provided by her friends and family.

All enquiries should be directed to Charles Neal at Bell & Buxton. Please be respectful of the family’s wishes at this difficult time.

Bell & Buxton announces the passing of Mary Butler

Shulmans partner and head of planning Amanda Beresford has been elected as the new president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce.

Beresford succeeds Womble Bond Dickinson partner Paula Dillon, who has held the post for the past two years.

She was elected at the annual meeting of the chamber’s leadership group on 12 July.

Mike Briffett of Turner & Townsend has taken up Beresford’s vacated vice president role.

Beresford said of her election: “I’m very honoured to take on the role as president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce. Paula has done a fantastic job over the last two years and I look forward to pushing ahead with our efforts while also introducing some of my own plans and ideas.”

The new Leeds Chamber of Commerce president identified several issues that will require attention during her term, including rail transport in the North, plans for housing and employment going into implementation, and the climate change emergency.

Beresford continued: “Leeds has seen record levels of investment lately but there are ongoing challenges for business, such as the skills gap and funding. I have been involved with Leeds Chamber of Commerce for many years and, as president, I look forward to being a strong voice and representative of our members during the next couple of years, working with partners and other stakeholders in relation to all of these matters and more.”

The chamber will reveal more details of Beresford’s plans for the next two years in the weeks and months to come.

The chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Sandy Needham, added: “We’re grateful to Paula for her efforts over the last two years, and looking

forward to working closely with Amanda and Mike during this next period.”

“It’s a great time to be running a business in West & North Yorkshire and we have some wonderful ambassadors and campaigners within our family, not least of which are in Leeds.”

Leeds and Yorkshire lawyers are increasingly taking on significant roles at local and regional chambers of commerce.

Rollits partner Andrew Digwood was recently elected as the new president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (see overleaf ). Digwood, a partner in the dispute resolution team at Rollits, succeeded Bridget Meynell from commercial radio station Minster FM, who held the post for the past two years.

Leeds Chamber of Commerce elects Shulmans partner Amanda Beresford as new president



Rollits partner Andrew Digwood has been elected as the new president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Digwood, a partner in the dispute resolution team at Rollits, succeeds Bridget Meynell from commercial radio station Minster FM, who has held the post for the past two years.

Laurence Beardmore of tea and coffee specialist York Emporium has been elected as Digwood’s vice president.

The York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce represents member businesses from across the region, while fulfilling a number of important roles.

The chamber, along with his partner organisations in Yorkshire, carries out research on the state of the region’s economy through its Quarterly Economic Survey, the results of which are fed back to the government and the Bank of England.

It provides regular updates to members on key policy issues affecting their businesses, and gives them a voice either by lobbying directly on issues such as skills, transport and investment in the region, or by providing opportunities for local business leaders to sit down with local, regional and national political figures.

Digwood said of his appointment: “It’s been a pleasure to serve as Bridget’s vice president for the past two years, and she has done an amazing job representing the chamber and its members.”

“It’s an even greater honour and privilege to now follow Bridget. York & North Yorkshire is a great region in which to do business. One of the things I enjoy most about my job as

a lawyer is getting to know my clients’ businesses, how they work and what their challenges are, and I hope that my time as chamber president will afford an opportunity to learn even more about some of our members’ businesses, and to help support them in sustaining the economic success of our region.”

“In addition, the chamber also runs some fantastic events giving members an opportunity to network with each other. For me, since coming to York in 2004, the chamber has always been the core of the business community in York and North Yorkshire, and through the chamber that I’ve made some great friends and business contacts.”

Rollits lawyer takes helm at York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Shoosmiths is supporting a project to showcase to the world what Leeds has to offer across sport, culture and community.

Love of Leeds is a photographic project, supported and launched in conjunction with Leeds City Council, and photojournalist Jude Palmer, which will capture the diversity of Leeds, the city, its people and all it has to offer in a stunning photographic book at the end of the year.

The project has set out on a creative journey at the beginning of the year to document and get behind the scenes and capture imagery to showcase all that is happening in Leeds, from big sporting events to creative initiatives in communities.

Palmer explained: “I feel privileged to be doing this project because as I shoot some of the amazing events Leeds hosts, and I capture some of the community projects that show great compassion and inclusivity, I realise just how great this city is. It’s on my doorstep, and I’ve known it a long time, or so I thought! I think many more people will feel this when they see the book.”

“I really feel that this project is another creative way to give Leeds a voice, to shout about what it’s doing, as people in Leeds tend to just get their head down and crack on. The city’s DNA is made up of grit, compassion, boldness, creativity and passion. We are really pleased to have Shoosmiths on board.”

Matthew Howarth, head of Shoosmiths Leeds, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in such a groundbreaking photographic project, it will be another way to show how Leeds is pioneering in its approach to showcasing what it does and how it drives, supports and excels at so many world class and inspiring

events, bringing more awareness for this ever growing Northern powerhouse, and how it supports its communities in such creative ways.”

The project will cover Tour de Yorkshire, the World Triathlon, Cricket World Cup, Leeds Film Festival, Project’s by Screen Yorkshire, Damien Hirst with Yorkshire International Sculpture, Transform Festival, Opera North, Northern Ballet, Leeds United, Leeds’s universities and many community projects.

The photography will also capture the impact that these projects have on the communities in and around Leeds.

Palmer, along with councillor Judith Blake from Leeds City Council, is behind the project and has been given unprecedented access across all of the events.

In other news at Shoosmiths, the firm’s corporate team has advised August Equity on its sale of supported living specialist Aspirations Group to Elysian Capital II.

Aspirations is a specialist provider of supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, with revenue of more than £22 million to March 2019.

Shoosmiths corporate partner James Foster advised on the sale and was assisted by senior associate Simon Procter and associate Natalie Hager.

Foster said: “We are delighted to have advised August Equity on the successful divestment of the Aspirations group. The Shoosmiths team has worked incredibly hard together with August Equity, management and the wider advisory teams to deliver a complex transaction—it has been a fantastic team effort.”

Shoosmiths supports Love of Leeds project

Sheffield’s Triple Point Brewery & Bar has created a new beer to help celebrate the fifth anniversary of niche firm Bhayani HR & Employment Law.

Jay-Pur, named after the law firm’s founder, Jay Bhayani, is a dry-hopped 6.9% gluten-free beer with mango and passion fruit.

The firm celebrated its anniversary at its new office at Shoreham Street in Sheffield. Many of the firm’s friends and clients attended.

Bhayani said: “It was great to see so many people attend our celebrations and help us enjoy the excellent surroundings, food, and, of course, the beer!”

“I’d really like to thank everyone for their support over the years. Business and life have had their ups and downs and it is the support of our clients, and our great team of course, that has given us the resilience to go through that and come out in the strong position that we are in now.”

Launched in 2014, Bhayani HR & Employment Law has seen its turnover rise by 40% year-on-year. The firm recently moved into its own office at Shoreham Street.

Bhayani continued: “We are all very excited about our plans to grow substantially over the next five years, which include recruiting new solicitors, introducing new business services and expanding outside Sheffield.”

“Of course, we want to maintain our good reputation and attention to detail whilst doing this. I am a big believer in delivering the law with the old-fashioned principles of honesty, integrity and always putting the client first—as we say ‘We are in your corner’—and that is where we will stay.”

Bhayani HR & Employment Law celebrates fifth anniversary with bespoke beer

Jones Myers has opened an office in York with the appointment of a three-strong team, including a partner with 25 years of experience in family law.

The new team at the family law firm, which also has offices in Leeds and Harrogate, will be based at Blake House in St Martin’s Lane, York.

Leading the team in York is collaborative lawyer and partner Nicki Mitchell, a specialist in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties and complicated pension arrangements.

Associate solicitor Samantha Gunnell, who is also a collaborative family lawyer, brings extensive experience in matters including financial settlements, cohabitation, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Gunnell is also secretary of Resolution for North and West

Yorkshire, and skilled in children law arrangements.Legal assistant Lynne Richards, who has worked in family

law for almost three decades, supports the team.Richard Peaker, partner and director at Jones Myers, said:

“Our York expansion marks a formative development for our firm whose lawyers are recognised leaders in their field. We wish Nicki, Sam and Lynne every success as we continue to go from strength to strength with a talented team who share our ethos and values.”

Mitchell added: “Jones Myers’ reputation as an exceptional niche family law firm is second to none and we are proud to be applying our expertise to its expanding and valued client portfolio at this pivotal period in the practice’s growth.”

The launch of the York office and new roles follow the expansion of the law firm’s Harrogate office in February with the appointment of senior family law solicitor Rachel Baul.

Jones Myers expands into York





Andrew Mawdsley, a senior associate at Yorkshire law firm Berwins, has been appointed as a deputy district judge in the North Eastern Circuit.

Sitting in the North and West Yorkshire cluster of courts, including those in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield, Mawdsley will combine his judicial duties with his day job as head of

the Berwins dispute resolution team.The appointment will see Mawdsley sit in county courts

and in a range of civil and family law cases, from claims

for damages, to insolvency matters and proceedings involving property.

Mawdsley said: “I’m honoured to have received this prestigious appointment and am looking forward to embracing this new and challenging role.”

“As a litigation specialist, spending time in court is not unusual for me and my team and I believe that my experience in supporting clients to assert their rights will be a significant benefit in my role as a deputy district judge.”

Reflecting on the appointment, Berwins managing director Sarah Smith added “We’re proud that Andrew has been selected for this important role our country’s legal system.”

“The appointment process is a rigorous and highly competitive one and it is a testament to Andrew’s talents as a solicitor that he has joined the select few who receive the Lord Chief Justice’s appointment.”

Berwins litigator secures deputy district judgeship

Keebles has partnered with recruitment firm Hays to equip professionals with the information they need on sensitive issues in the workplace.

Spearheaded by the Keebles employment team, the workshop at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium in July focused on various aspects of employee wellbeing, including workplace harassment and safe recruitment, which covered the right to work, references, social media and the General Data Protection Regulation.

The employment team, comprising Catherine Wilson, Lauren Pickard and Charlotte Ollerenshaw, also advised on topics such as driving for work, legal investigations and testing for drug and alcohol abuse.

Flexible working requests and maternity leave returners were also covered at the event, where attendees had the

opportunity to work through several case studies together with the help of the employment team.

Partner Catherine Wilson explained: “Sensitive issues are likely to arise in all businesses at some point, so it’s important to ensure all bases are covered in order to avoid handling challenging situations in the wrong way.”

The workshop was geared towards business owners and HR or health and safety professionals involved in managing people and responsible for employee wellbeing and absence. Working in association with Keebles for the workshop was Hays.

Ruth Hardy, senior business manager at Hays, said: “Employee wellbeing is key in the workplace and it is crucial for businesses to know how to confront a number of scenarios that could crop up.”

Keebles teams up with recruitment firm Hays to tackle sensitive issues in the workplace


More than 500 people participated in the annual Leeds Legal Walk in June

The Yorkshire Legal Support Trust’s Leeds Legal Walk, which followed a 10km route from outside of the Leeds Combined Court Centre to the Rose Bowl at Portland Crescent, is close to meeting its target goal of £20,000.

“It was a fantastic show of support from all sectors of the legal profession in Leeds,” said David Barraclough, chair of the Yorkshire Legal Support Trust. “With over five hundred walkers, the 2019 Leeds Legal Walk was the largest ever (non-London) regional legal walk.”

These year’s Leeds Legal Walk on 24 June was led by Barraclough and Justice Barling QC, vice chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster; Paul Lawrence, high sheriff of West Yorkshire; Deveral Capps, dean of Leeds Law School; Amy Clowrey, chair of the National Junior Lawyers Division (JLD); and Charlotte Parkinson, vice chair of the National JLD.

Clowrey and Parkinson said: “It was an absolute honour

to be asked to represent the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) as Lead Walkers at the Leeds Legal Walk 2019 and to see so many legal practitioners from in-house, large corporate firms and smaller high street firms, as well as many of the barristers’ chambers, judges and court staff, come together to promote access to justice.”

“Unfortunately not everyone has access to justice, usually due to financial constraints, so whilst it is disappointing that pro bono initiatives are still needed, until everyone has access to legal advice and our courts, they are necessary. The JLD is proud to stand with the Access to Justice Foundation and help it raise these vital funds.”

“Additionally, all of the walkers did Leeds proud by making it the biggest legal walk outside of London!”

Following the Leeds Legal Walk, the participants were welcomed back with a drinks reception hosted by Leeds Beckett University, with entertainment provided by Scott and the Antartics.

Leeds Legal Walk raises the bar for access to justice

Keebles has raised £800 for St. Luke’s Hospice Sheffield by completing national endurance challenge Tough Mudder.

A 10-person team from the firm trained for 12 weeks to tackle the 10-mile course in Eden, Skipton, in order to raise the funds to donate to the hospice.

Keebles brought together members from each of its offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds, ranging from paralegal to partner. The team also welcomed additions from PM Legal Services and its account manager from PR and creative agency HR Media.

The Tough Mudder course consists of 25 obstacles, including a 10-foot wall, an arctic ice pool and multiple obstacles designed to push participants outside of their comfort zone with small spaces and heights.

Keebles marketing manager and Tough Mudder team leader Simon Gorman said: “As a firm we are committed to supporting many local charities and St Luke’s is an organisation which is at the heart of our community.”

“The nature of the Tough Mudder challenge is one of teamwork and comradery and it’s brilliant to bring together partners, solicitors and trainees from all departments within the firm.”

The £800 donated will go towards St. Luke’s Hospice’s work in offering palliative care and support to terminally ill adults and their families in Sheffield.

Jack Kidder, corporate fundraising manager at St. Luke’s, said: “We’re very grateful to the Keebles team for their hard work on the course and all their efforts in raising funds for the hospice.”

“Most of our funding comes from public donations, so any money raised to support St. Luke’s will go an extremely long way in allowing us to continue helping those who need it.”

Keebles overcomes Tough Mudder to raise £800 for St. Luke’s Hospice

News Social & Charity


Employees at Morrish Solicitors have raised more than £9,260 for local children’s cancer

Documents

August 2019 The Official Journal of Leeds Law Society ...Barker Brooks Communications Ltd 26 Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2EW ... Law Society and Leeds City Council