Leeds Law Society February 2020 The Offi cial Journal of Leeds Law Society Issue 162
The year ahead Members of the Leeds and Yorkshire profession offer a glimpse of what’s to come for them in 2020
Focus News Society Profi le Comment YLST is holding several A new property litigation The Leeds Annual Legal Georgina Parkin is the Patrick Walker heads fundraising events to fi rm has established its Dinner is taking place on recently appointed south (but not for long!) support access to justice national headquarters 12 March 2020 managing director of in Leeds Truth Legal Premium Residential <0.25Ha Environmental | Flood | Ground Stability | Energy & Infrastructure
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EDITORIAL Editor: Mark Dugdale 01423 851 150 The Offi cial Journal of Leeds Law Society February 2020 | Issue 162 [email protected] Premium Residential <0.25Ha Founding Editor: Environmental | Flood | Ground Stability | Energy & Infrastructure Social & Charity 20 Ian McCombie Views Blacks Solicitors raises £12k+ for Report Details Subject Site Leeds Mind, Simpson Millar Leeds PRODUCTION Leeds Annual Legal Dinner 04 Address: Requested by: o ce rallies to help raise £32,000 Sample, Sample Sample Head of design: Taking place on 12 March 2020 Compton Sheldon for Headway, family law experts in Grid Reference: Date: at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, the E: 123456 | N: 123456 27/04/2018 She eld raise money in memory of Leeds Annual Legal Dinner will be a Report Reference: Report ID: ADVERTISING Vanessa Fox, and Wilkin Chapman Sample 1000085407 Project manager: spectacular evening festive stride-outs to support eight Professional Opinion Matt Gotting veterans Air Quality Index: Some Polluted Areas 1.ENVIRONMENTAL PASS (See 1.25) 01423 851 150 President’s Column 05 No further recommendations [email protected] This page should always be read in conjunction with the full Emma Pearmaine on business report. The Professional Opinion indicates the potential Appointments 22 risks and any other potential issues associated with the planning for the 2020s 2.FLOOD PASS The latest promotions and property. The results should be disclosed to client and/or Published by: No further recommendations lender and/or insurer as appropriate. appointments from across Leeds and A ‘Pass’ is given if no potential property specific risk has Barker Brooks Communications Ltd been identified. Women in Law 06 3.GROUND STABILITY PASS 26 Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Road, Yorkshire A ‘Pass with Considerations’ is given where there are No further recommendations A report on the nal event of the potential hazards in the locality to bear in mind, or if there Leeds, LS4 2EW are features nearby which some clients might consider Tel: 01423 851 150 society calendar in 2019 could affect them. Focus on 4.ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE PASS A ‘Further Action’ is given if there is a potential property Fax: 01423 740 704 Consideration(s): specific risk and a further action is advised. 4.20 Power Stations www.barkerbrooks.co.uk In the event of a request to review the Professional Opinion LGBT+ 07 Cover Story 26 based on additional information, or if there are any technical [email protected] queries, the professional advisor who ordered the report Matthew Jones previews the Several members of the Leeds and should contact us at [email protected], or call us on 01732 755 180. upcoming events focusing on LGBT+ PRINT: Yorkshire profession o er a glimpse of Buxton Press what’s to come for them this year Leeds JLD 08 © 2020 Leeds Advice on turning a paralegal Patrick Walker 28 Law Society & role into a training contract In his latest column, Patrick Walker Regulated by RICS Barker Brooks Communications heads south (but not for long!) If you require assistance, please contact your Search Provider or alternatively contact FCI directly with your Report ID. Tel: 01732 755 180 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.futureclimateinfo.com Ltd. All rights in YLAL 09 and relating to this Nathan Davis reports on the current publication are expressly reserved. No part of YLST 29 this publication may be reproduced, stored in legal aid situation Yorkshire Legal Support Trust a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or committee chair David Barraclough by any means without written permission from highlights the fundraising events the publishers. The views expressed in Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer are not necessarily those News supporting access to justice to expect of the Leeds Law Society or the publisher. this year While the publishers have taken every care in Lead 10 compiling this publication to ensure accuracy New rm Hägen Wolf establishes at the time of going to press, they do not national HQ in Leeds and Haddleton Last word accept liability or responsibility for errors or omissions therein however caused. Legal acquires Leeds-based IP Assist Ethics and Ethos 34 Solicitor Georgina Parkin is the SUBSCRIPTIONS: Business Development 12 recently appointed managing Subscriptions are available to Record turnover as Clarion tops director of Truth Legal, as well as Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer at £70 £17m, Wake Smith supports president of Harrogate and District for one calendar year (10 issues). expansion, Blacks Solicitors oversees Law Society Unless requested otherwise, your PE investment, Gordons supports subscription will start with the issue following receipt of your payment. acquisitions, Shulmans advises on To subscribe contact publishers lease for new creative complex, and Barker Brooks Communications on Andrew Jackson advises on vessel 01423 851 150, or email accounts@ acquisition barkerbrooks.co.uk. Legal & Community 16 Wake Smith chairman Nick Lambert retires, Secerna expands into bigger York o ce, Switalskis specialist travels Leeds to Ghana, LCF Law signs lease on new Law Society Leeds o ce, Ison Harrison o cially opens York o ce, and Stephen Wood AFFILIATE MEMBER ® receives QC appointment
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 3 Society Leeds Annual Legal Dinner Leeds Annual Legal Dinner 2020 A celebration of Leeds’ success as a centre of legal excellence
Bring colleagues, clients and friends to join us at Leeds Law Tables of 10 Society’s fl agship event, hosted by the President of Leeds Law Members: £850 + VAT Society, Emma Pearmaine. Non-Members: £950 + VAT Taking place on 12 March 2020 at the Queen’s Hotel, the Leeds Individual tickets Annual Legal Dinner will be a spectacular evening with speeches Members: £90 + VAT from highly acclaimed guests with fun light entertainment. Non-Members: £100 +VAT A welcome drink will be available on arrival and each table will Book now be provided with a 1/2 bottle of wine per person followed by a www.leedslawsociety.org.uk/events-training scrumptious three-course meal.
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4 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Leeds Law Society President’s Column
Leeds Law Society and business planning for the 2020s
Leeds Law Society represents the business migration will not be enough to meet our Emma Pearmaine is of law in Leeds and supports Leeds and local employers’ needs going forwards managing director Yorkshire lawyers to make the most of post-Brexit. We are currently intel gathering of Ridley & Hall personal and business opportunities in the and working with Leeds City Council to see Legal and president local legal profession. We are very lucky to how, locally, we can be more singular in the of Leeds Law Society have a good relationship with Leeds City delivery of communications to local SMEs Council, its chief executive o cer Tom to prepare for Brexit. Our local lawyers and Riordan having just received CBE for services legal rms need to support our local SMEs in to Leeds. Tom is passionate about working to doing so to ensure that our local economy broaden the council’s impact across the city continues to thrive and grow. and the region. He helped achieve the MJ’s For our local law rms, business planning Council of the Year award in 2016 and played is going to be exible this year and into next a leading role in bringing Channel 4 and the because of the impact of Brexit. I am told by Grand Départ of the Tour de France to Leeds. all our big Leeds law rms that their Brexit Tom is an outstanding chief executive and planning continues and it will be a big focus he has been instrumental in developing our throughout this year as we work towards our shared vision of maximising Leeds’ potential exit date. However, Brexit planning isn’t just to maintain its status as the biggest regional for the big rms. In December last year, my law centre, and to develop its status as the rm invited internal applications for legal centre for legal tech and innovation. apprentices, trainee solicitors, associates Leeds City Council is now collaborating and partners. Those selected for interview with law rms across Leeds on a tech and were asked to deliver a presentation on the innovation project that will hopefully put impact of Brexit on Ridley & Hall and the Leeds on the map and perpetuate and opportunities it might bring. increase investment locally. Watch this As managing director of a small high street space for more information about legal tech direct-to-consumer law rm delivering projects and events in 2020, which must matrimonial, childcare, wills and probate, be considered in your business planning property and niche litigation services, I had and will transform the careers of the next given some thought to how Brexit could generation of lawyers coming into our a ect our business and considered some profession locally. of the opportunities it might bring, but the Leeds City Council has also involved research and consideration given to the Leeds Law Society in 2020 Brexit planning, topic by our budding apprentices, trainees, which has been incredibly interesting and associates and partners was so impressive, mind blowing, to say the least. The role in-depth and considered that I have since of Leeds Law Society is to engage with started to review our business plan and and communicate with our members, I hope to implement a number of their who in turn represent our local small and recommendations. So our message to other medium-sized entities (SMEs), which have small and medium legal businesses is: don’t much to do to get ready for Brexit. I am told stick your head in the sand. Brexit a ects all approximately 49% of goods manufactured of us. Leeds Law Society is here to support in Leeds go out to the EU and 54% of goods you and we are happy to share information. If imported into Leeds come from the EU. you are willing to share your Brexit planning Labour from overseas represents 12% of the or need help with planning, please contact workforce in Leeds and there are concerns Leeds Law Society and we will do our best to that our local population and domestic facilitate conversations within our profession.
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 5 Society Event Women in law: Keeping it real Leeds Law Society president Emma Pearmaine reports on the nal event of the society calendar in 2019
Leeds Law Society was proud to focus its concluding 2019 event or have you occasionally found yourself trying to t in with the in Leeds on the national celebrations of 100 years of women in men around you? If so, how? How can we best be our female law. Christina Blacklaws (now past president of the Law Society selves? of England and Wales) launched the national women in law • Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome and how have celebrations and projects during her presidency last year. This has you managed it? included her visits around the country (including Leeds), hosting • Have you ever been asked to attend a meeting outside of roundtable events for female and male groups to discuss equality your usual working hours that you knew you couldn’t attend in the workplace, her symposium in London and the national because of personal commitments, and how have you dealt launch of the Women in Law Pledge to build a more equal with that? profession for all. • Have you ever thought that a colleague is earning more for the Leeds Law Society’s nal event of 2019 focused on the same job and how would you address that at a salary review? celebration of 100 years of women in the law and Christina • Have you ever considered that you had been passed over attended as our keynote speaker. More than 100 law students, for a promotion because of your personal circumstances or trainee solicitors and solicitors booked to attend for drinks, because you are female? How would you deal with that? networking and a panel event discussing the ‘real’ experiences of • As a managing partner, what is your focus for supporting women working in law in Yorkshire in the 21st century. Our guests women in your workplace? heard from and shared stories with Christina and local female • What advice can you give about juggling a career in law leaders in law who have forged a path to the top, juggling the while raising a family? How have you done it or how have you demands of work and family, and the expectations of the 21st supported other women in your workplace to do it? century legal profession. As well as Christina and I, our panel included Helen Brown, Our guests heard from and spoke to high-pro le female leaders in managing partner of Weightmans Leeds; Sarah Ratcli e, partner at corporate, commercial and high street law rms in Leeds who spin Gordons; and Karen French and Elizabeth Graham, who are both plates, ‘keep it real’ and tell it as it is! We kept it real and addressed partners at Squire Patton Boggs Leeds. Feedback received after the big questions: do we need to be Superwoman in 21st century the event said that the honest discussion was ‘exactly what was law? Have we achieved equality in our work-life balance? All promised on the tin—omen in the law keeping it real’. agreed we don’t have the answers yet but by sharing experiences and supporting each other in the profession, we can surely make Discussions included: great strides going forwards in the next 100 years of women in law. • Are you comfortable being your female self in the workplace Thanks go to Gordons for sponsoring drinks at the event.
6 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Society LGBT+ LGBT+ dates for your diary Leeds Law Society director and Weightmans solicitor Matthew Jones previews the upcoming events focusing on LGBT+ February is a month when the drudgery equality and diversity for the bene t of the public and I would of January is nally behind us and we certainly recommend that you nd ve minutes to log on and can start looking forward to spring. It is have a quick look at the extensive information available. a month associated with Valentine’s Day This year, Leeds Law Society will once again be marking and this year it will be the rst month after LGBT+ History Month by hosting a special panel event at Brexit (that is the last time the “B” word will Addleshaw Goddard on 4 February. The focus of the event will be mentioned in this article, I promise). It be ‘Out in the O ce’ and we are pleased to have put together is also a signi cant month for members of a fantastic panel of ve individuals who will discuss their the LGBT+ community, as February marks LGBT+ History Month experiences together with the issues facing LGBT+ individuals here in the UK. who may or may not be ‘out’ at work. Our panel consists of But what is LGBT+ History Month? A brief look online at Colette Morgan-Ford (head of construction for Weightmans), its dedicated website will tell you that LGBT+ History Month Rachel Reese (vice chair of the Law Society’s LGBT+ division originated in the US around 1994 and made its way ‘across the and director of Global Butter ies), Craig Burton (founder and pond’ 11 years later following an initiative from teachers and trustee of Friends of Dorothy), Richard Fisk (associate solicitor at activists. Held to tie in with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003, Addleshaw Goddard) and Isaac Eloi (trainee solicitor at Freeths LGBT+ History Month sought to educate young people about and co-founder of the Black Men in Law Network). The event is the issues that members of the LGBT+ community faced. For free to attend and tickets are available on the Leeds Law Society those who have not come across Section 28, this was a piece website. of legislation that prohibited local authorities from “intentionally Looking further ahead, Leeds Law Society will be taking part in promoting homosexuality or publishing material with the Leeds Pride on 2 August, which has now become a rm xture intention of promoting homosexuality”. in our annual timetable. There are also plans for a special event If you take time to look at the lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk in September to mark National Inclusion Week, which Leeds website, you will see that the aim of the month is to promote Law Society will be announcing in the coming months.
every February since 2005
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 7 Leeds Junior Lawyers Division Advice
From paralegal to trainee Leeds Junior Lawyers Division on turning a paralegal role into a training contract Leeds Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) represents a large Finally, use your colleague’s experience when preparing number of members who are paralegals and are on the for the ‘next step’. No doubt you will have at least one lookout for the ever elusive training contract. In light of this, colleague involved in the recruitment process and if so, we wanted to o er some (hopefully helpful) pointers for any consider asking them if they would mind spending 10 or paralegals looking to take this next step to quali cation. 15 minutes grilling you with hard interview questions. The As a paralegal you will have developed a variety of more you prepare, the more comfortable you will feel when skills throughout your career. Being able to e ectively it comes to the ‘real thing’. communicate these skills in your application could really Also, if you are looking to apply internally, speak to di erent make the di erence between a good application and a great teams about their successes. It de nitely bene ts to show application. your awareness of not just the o ce you work in but the rm As you will no doubt be aware, paralegals undertake as a whole. all types of legal work either as fee-earners or in aid of Obviously, you will undertake your own research of the other fee-earners. As a result of this, you will be able to website and various articles, but colleague insight on matters demonstrate skills expected of most rst seat trainees (if not can also be really useful. beyond). You may have accumulated experience in drafting Bear in mind that if you are looking to qualify internally, correspondence and legal documents, or maybe your role make sure you know whether there are di erent deadlines has required you to contact and establish rapport with clients, for external and internal candidates; what, if any, di erent possibly you have gained experience navigating and using procedures exist, ie, do you need partner sponsorship? Is portals such as the Land Registry or Companies House? there a requirement that you have to have been in the rm’s If you are looking to obtain a training contract at the rm employment for a certain period of time? You may already you currently work for, your paralegal role also provides you know this, but especially if you are relatively new to a rm— with a prime opportunity to display to your rm that you don’t rely on HR to tell you. already possess the attributes expected of a trainee. If you Lots of rms now o er alternative routes into quali cation bring enthusiasm to all tasks; try to go above and beyond that di er from a ‘formal’ training contract route. If this is what is being asked of you in your role; are proactive in your something that may appeal, enquire with your internal HR approach and thinking about the next step in a matter or person or review the information available on the Solicitors being able to demonstrate your understanding of the wider Regulation Authority website: www.sra.org.uk/students/ commercial context; and engage with client or networking resources/exemptions/period-recognised-training. events whenever you have the opportunity to—then when For anyone wanting to expand your knowledge and/or get the time comes to review your application, those involved some handy hints, keep an eye out on the Leeds JLD website with the trainee recruitment process will already be aware for seminars and events that you can attend and may help that you can do the job! with your applications. Even if the events are not speci cally Apart from the skills gained by involvement in legal work, geared towards applications, there are always friendly, there are also many other roles trainees are usually expected quali ed lawyers on hand who you can talk to. to undertake, such as sitting on various committees or You can nd us at www.leedsjld.com where you can sign up engaging in with the rm’s corporate social responsibility to our mailing list to be sent information on all new events. initiatives or organising socials. Try to become involved in You can also search for us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook some of your rm’s ‘extra-curricular’ activities (providing it and LinkedIn. doesn’t a ect your capacity or work quality) as it is a fantastic The Leeds JLD also holds national events that are geared way to get to know a rm, show your enthusiasm, and it also towards training contract applications. Check their website gives you plenty to talk about during your application and at communities.lawsociety.org.uk/junior-lawyers for more interview stage. information.
8 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Young Legal Aid Lawyers #3Pledges4Justice YLAL: #3Pledges4Justice Nathan Davis, pupil at Zenith Chambers, reports on the recent YLAL Leeds meeting, which considered the current legal aid situation and the #3Pledges4Justice campaign Following December’s general election, January’s Young Legal Aid Lawyers (YLAL) Leeds meeting focused on the current legal aid situation and campaigning for necessary and immediate change in line with YLAL’s #3Pledges4Justice campaign.
The current situation As Lady Hale recently noted: “The lack of access to legal services for some people who seriously need them … is a problem.” The current legal aid system su ers from signi cant underlying issues that can largely • “After Brexit we need to look at … access to justice for ordinary be traced to the implementation of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and people”; Punishment of O enders (LASPO) Act 2012. The primary concern • “We will ensure that Judicial Review is available to protect the remains eligibility. In numerous areas of law, there is either no or rights of the individuals against an overbearing state, whilst limited scope for legal aid, such as housing, debt, private family law ensuring that it is not abused to conduct politics by another and immigration. Coupled with the strict and in exible means test means”; and system, the result has been a signi cant decrease in eligibility for • “[I]t is both right and fair that, as in other countries, people legal aid. This directly undermines access to justice and is re ected making the UK their home should pay into the tax system for a in the rise of litigants in person and the substantial drop in the reasonable period of time before they can access welfare.” number of social welfare cases issued post-LASPO. The situation looks bleaker when we consider the decrease Unfortunately, beyond these general statements, there is little in legal aid centres, resulting in legal aid deserts. The Guardian indication as to the government’s actual proposals, or direction. reported in July 2019 that in the last six years the number of local Given the nature and scale of the problem, YLAL’s campaign, for areas that have a law centre have halved. a sustainable legal aid system to those who could not otherwise Finally, there is the under-remuneration of legal aid a ord to pay for it, is more important than ever. professionals—the hourly rate of pay for legal aid professionals has remained unchanged for more than 25 years. 3Pledges4Justice campaign YLAL’s campaign throughout the general election and taken up The general election campaigns by YLAL Leeds post-election is to request MPs to support the As noted at January’s meeting, throughout the election there was #3Pledges4Justice campaign. a lack of focus on the justice system, especially in relation to legal YLAL has asked MPs to support the following pledges: aid. The absence of this discussion was symptomatic of the limited • Make legal aid available to ordinary people by reforming the awareness and attention that is given to the current situation. civil means test to ensure more people who cannot a ord to A valiant e ort was made by a YLAL member at a BBC Question pay for legal advice and representation are eligible for legal Time event to raise this issue. Unfortunately, a response to aid; that question furthered the myth that England and Wales has • Bring back legal aid for social welfare law; and the most expensive legal aid system. As the Secret Barrister • Pay legal aid lawyers fairly for the vital work they do explained, the basis for this statement is limited, outdated and considers irrelevant country comparisons. It is lamentable that this At January’s meeting, YLAL Leeds signed a petition calling opportunity, to spur proper and detailed political discussion, was on Hilary Benn MP, as the Leeds Central MP, to support these not taken. pledges. There was a photo action in support of this campaign.
What can be expected from the Conservative government? How can you be involved? There are no concrete proposals within the Conservative If you would like to be a part of YLAL’s campaign and ask your MP manifesto that seek to address the issue of legal aid. However, to support the pledges, you can nd a template letter to send to matters of potential signi cance include: your MP at: www.younglegalaidlawyers.org/3pledges4justice YLAL Leeds’s next meeting is on 10 February. You can contact • “[W]e will establish a Royal Commission on the criminal justice YLAL Leeds by emailing: [email protected] or ndavis@ process”; zenithchambers.co.uk
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 9 News Lead New firm Hägen Wolf establishes national HQ in Leeds Hägen Wolf, a new property litigation firm, has opened its national headquarters in Leeds. The specialist property litigation firm, established by lawyer Matt Pugh and launching with a team of nine, operates nationally from offices in Leeds and London. The firm’s experienced team offers expertise across a range of industry sectors, including transport, retail and residential property. Pugh has worked at Leeds firms Ford & Warren and Langleys. He has more than 20 years of experience as a specialist property litigator, acting for clients ranging from owner-managed businesses and individuals to international corporations, such as Del Monte, Stagecoach and ALS Global. His practice encompasses all aspects of commercial, residential and agricultural property disputes, and he frequently deals with tribunal work and contested land registry applications as well as traditional court-based litigation and has largest hubs of legal talent in the UK, will be home to our a high success rate in mediation. headquarters as we expand.” Commenting on the launch of Hägen Wolf, Pugh said: Hägen Wolf has already secured work with transport “We are developing a team of highly experienced property operators, business owners and property investors across specialists from across the UK, whose expertise spans a wide the UK. range of sectors. Our firm is built around customer service, and Pugh said: “Thanks to a respected and experienced team we we are building a culture that recognises and rewards high will be working both directly with clients or in partnership with levels of customer satisfaction.” their advisors. I believe that collaboration is key not only to our “While the London office is already growing and we’ve had success but the continued growth of Leeds as a world-class interest from other parts of the country, Leeds, as one of the centre for legal services.” Haddleton Legal acquires Leeds-based IP Assist Haddleton Legal has acquired as we already operate fixed fees for our legal services.” Leeds-based IP Assist from FTSE He said the range of services already offered by IP Assist 250 company IP Group. would continue with further investment planned to keep The acquisition sees the firm directors up to date on risk and governance topics and to expand its services to support improve IP and contract management. spin-out and growth companies. James Haddleton added: “The emphasis will be on giving IP Assist provides technology investors what they want by providing a streamlined and life sciences portfolio outsourced back office function that improves the companies with secretarial and accounts process, completes a full commercial risk administrative services. assessment and adds value with access to everyday legal James Haddleton, chief and compliance services as well as expert counsel for executive officer of Haddleton Legal, said the acquisition more specialist matters when required.” will facilitate his firm’s plans for a fixed price support In a boost to the firm’s expanding legal and compliance service for growth businesses that includes a company work with businesses across the UK, Haddleton Legal secretary function, finance, HR, and other back-office recently promoted data specialist Katie Parratt to the role functions. The acquisition will also allow legal advice to be of business intelligence manager. provided to those businesses as part of that service. James Haddleton said Parratt’s background in medical IP Assist will continue to provide company secretarial informatics has already added value to the firm’s services to IP Group subsidiary companies. pharmaceutical team, which works with fast growth life James Haddleton said: “We are delighted to welcome sciences businesses and startups. the IP Assist team and introduce our legal team to growth He said: “Katie’s new role will see her making the most companies. The legal team is almost entirely made up of of her skills and using data to help clients improve senior former in-house lawyers, many with investment, knowledge and processes within their business, whatever tech and life science backgrounds, who have a deep their sector.” understanding of the commercial needs of growth Cheryl Bridges joined the client services team at businesses with high value IP, both from a legal and Haddleton Legal in October last year. compliance perspective.” She is playing a crucial role in the firm’s internal and “The launch of a back-office support service for a set external communications strategy, and supporting its monthly fee is therefore a natural step for us, particularly team of lawyers.
10 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Yorkshire Legal Awards 2020 WWW.YORKSHIRELEGALNEWS.CO.UK SAVE THE DATE 08.10.20 NEW DOCK HALL, LEEDS
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® News Business Development Record turnover as Clarion tops £17m
Leeds-based law firm Clarion has reported another year of enabling the firm to continue to show impressive growth. growth with revenues hitting a record high of £17.42 million Our recruitment is continuing to accelerate, we have taken for the year ending 31 May 2019. on additional office space and expanded our services.” Marking its third consecutive year of double-digit growth, “We’ve seen a particularly strong performance in our real turnover Clarion has increased by 48% since its 2017 financial estate practice which has experienced phenomenal demand year end when it reached £11.74 million. and has doubled in size in the last two years as well as Clarion saw 24% growth to £14.52 million in the year broadening our capability into the field of property disputes. ending 31 May 2018, and its latest results show a 20% rise in Our corporate team is regularly recognised as the top revenues for 2018/19. Yorkshire legal transaction adviser by Experian Market IQ, and Over the last year, the firm has increased to 230 colleagues our banking and finance practice is also going from strength including 25 partners, with Clarion recruiting another 45 to strength having substantially increased its offering.” people in the eight months since its latest financial year-end Hutton went on to praise Yorkshire as a “great place in May. for dynamic, entrepreneurial businesses”, with ample “Over the last 12 years, Clarion has established a very clear opportunity for “them to grow”, and for Clarion to support offering to both clients and colleagues, we know exactly who them. we are and what we can do, and have effectively conveyed He said: “It is a buoyant market and people remain this to the market,” explained Roger Hutton, joint managing optimistic despite the current challenges. Fortunately, partner of Clarion. Leeds is continuing to attract lots of legal talent, giving “Our brand is known and trusted, particularly among owner clients plenty of choice and we’re proud to be part of such a managed businesses which appreciate the time our lawyers flourishing professional community.” invest in really getting under the skin of their businesses and “Last year was another great year for Clarion and our team, the holistic commercial advice we provide. Our strategy has and our upward trajectory has continued in the six months been to invest in developing the right culture which has since our financial year end—we’ve already seen upward enabled us to attract and retain a high calibre of talent and so movement in the first quarter of our new financial year and provide an outstanding service.” have made a substantial number of investments. The signs He continued: “Regardless of the ongoing Brexit are genuinely encouraging and we are looking forward with uncertainty, the Yorkshire market remains vibrant and brave, optimism to the next 12 months.”
12 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Business Development Wake Smith supports Firehouse Fitness expansion A fitness firm with three gyms in Yorkshire has doubled the size of one of its Sheffield premises with the help of Wake Smith Solicitors. Firehouse Fitness, which was founded in 2013, has moved into a 10,000 sq ft unit on Meadowbrook Park in Sheffield— just across the car park from its current smaller base. A six figure-plus investment has seen the unit transformed into a fitness hub for the 12 staff and 750 current members and will allow further delivery of the group, personal training and high-intensity classes based around firefighter training methods and values. Sheffield’s Wake Smith acted for Firehouse Fitness, which also has a base at Centaur House in Leeds city centre and its and personal trainer sessions to the more holistic approaches B-Fit UK operation at Hillsborough in Sheffield. such as yoga, to fantastic spaces to exercise and relax in.” Firehouse Fitness managing director Shane Beard said: “From “Our new location, now substantially refurbished ready for the outset, our mission was to create a fitness experience that the January 2020 gym rush, allows us to improve and extend is warm, welcoming and inclusive. Our ethos was to create our training and classes offering and long term we hope to a boutique gym that was more than just a place to exercise, increase the number of staff working there up to 20.” but where clients felt valued, had a sense of camaraderie, and Beard added: “Working with Wake Smith was fantastic. Paul belonging. This has proved a winning formula for us.” Gibbon in commercial property team advised us on the lease. “Our popularity has seen us outgrow our current premises He is a great operator and genuinely cared about the work on Meadowbrook Park. We knew the unit opposite would and what he was doing. I never thought it was just a tick-box give us a larger base to allow us to grow and offer more exercise for him.” classes, an even better service and more opportunities to Gibbon, who is a director in Wake Smith’s commercial work with the community and charities.” property division, said: “We were really pleased to be able to “We want our new gym to focus on the best of advise Shane on the unit’s lease and their exciting plans for everything—from our more traditional group fitness classes the future.” Blacks Solicitors oversees PE investment in Roxy Leisure Paterson, Lewis Goodwin and Hayley Blackburn. Hoyle commented: “I’m extremely proud of my team for being selected to advise the Jones family in seeking investment to take the Roxy brand to new heights. Despite the challenge of meeting a tight deadline, everyone involved at Blacks ensured the deal was completed smoothly.” “It was a pleasure working with all involved and we will be eagerly watching, and supporting, the continued growth of the company into new areas of the UK.” Matthew Jones added: ‘Nigel, Hayley and the team at Blacks worked around the clock to ensure our business Blacks Solicitors has overseen and helped to coordinate the deal could reach its deadline. The deal was far from simple £7.5 million investment in Leeds-based hospitality company but Blacks guided us through the formalities and ensure Roxy Leisure. we were protected as best as possible going forward. Roxy Leisure operates a number of venues across the The communication was clear and concise, I had every country that offer in-bar activities including ping-pong, confidence that we had chosen the correct law firm to act bowling, mini-golf, shuffleboard, arcade gaming and karaoke, for us.” under the trading names Roxy Ball Room, Roxy Lanes and Mike Quinn, director at Foresight Group, said: “Roxy is Roxy Arcade. well-positioned to accelerate its growth and we are excited Chief executive officer Matthew Jones and commercial to add our support and guidance to the company. Matt and director Ben Jones, who founded Roxy Leisure in 2013, have Ben have built a successful business with a good corporate secured a £7.5 million investment from Foresight Group. culture and we look forward to working with them to take The investment will lead to further expansion for the Leeds- Roxy through the next stage of its growth.” based business across the UK, including new venues opening “The commercial approach of everyone at Blacks in Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham in 2020. contributed significantly to getting this deal across the line The corporate team at Blacks were selected to advise Roxy in a short timeframe, which was very much appreciated by Leisure from a shortlist of mid-tier Leeds law firms due to its Foresight and the management team.” expertise in private equity funding. Blacks worked closely with Foresight and financial Head of corporate law Nigel Hoyle led the team of Dave consultant Sedulo to ensure the investment was completed.
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 13 News Business Development Gordons and KPMG support garden centre acquisitions Gordons and the Leeds o ce of KPMG have helped Lincolnshire-based British Garden Centres acquire 24 centres. Commercial property specialist James Kimberley and corporate partner Duncan Firman, along with KPMG’s tax director Nathan Potton, advised on the deal. The sites were acquired from Wyevale Garden Centres, with the majority located across Southeast England. They are being operated by newly incorporated entity BGC South, which was established during the transaction following investment from Antony Harker, a well-known gure in the garden centre industry. Acquired as part of British Garden Centres’s ongoing expansion strategy, the business run by the Stubbs family is headquartered in Brigg and now has 57 sites across the UK. The company aims to maximise the potential of each centre Nathan Potton, director in KPMG’s private client advisory and anticipates creating further employment opportunities. team in Leeds, advised on the tax structuring of the Commenting on the acquisitions, Harker said: “This is a investment together with Jo Joyce, Callum Richards and signi cant portfolio of centres for us to acquire and we Dominic Rayner. were delighted to be able to exchange contracts on the Potton said: “Advising serial entrepreneurs to help them acquisitions within just two weeks.” to invest in ambitious businesses in Yorkshire and beyond “We were impressed throughout the process by the is a great part of our job. Assessing the tax implications of commercial, straightforward approach taken by everyone any investment may primarily be focused on the long term we dealt with at Gordons and KPMG. They consistently gave but working to a short time frame is critical on fast paced user-friendly advice on what was a complex deal due to transactions like this one. Our ability to collate a multi- the number of centres involved and the incredibly short disciplinary tax team was an important factor in delivering on timeframe.” this deal.” “These acquisitions have accelerated British Garden Kimberley of Gordons added: “British Garden Centres Centres’s continued growth. It is an exciting time for the is a thriving business and these acquisitions have ideally business and our people and we look forward to maximising positioned it for further expansion. The deal required a huge the potential of our new centres.” amount of focus and was a real team e ort across the rm.” Shulmans advises on lease for new creative complex in Leeds Shulmans has represented Caddick Group on the granting of machinery and asbestos. New landscaping and access points the lease for an old six-acre printworks in central Leeds that have been provided, along with charging points for electric has been transformed into a creative complex. vehicles. CBM Construction carried out the refurbishment. Caddick Group, a Yorkshire-based property development Caddick Group has secured Opera North as a tenant for a and construction business, acquired the almost 150-year-old 9,000 sq ft unit in the six-acre site, which it is using for storage site in October 2017. It’s located just 15 minutes from the and rehearsals. Majestic, the location of Channel 4’s new headquarters. The remaining space will be occupied by studio operator The site will host 110,000 square feet of studio space after Leeds Studios, which is subletting the property from Leeds an extensive refurbishment, including the demolition of the City Council after a landmark deal with Caddick Group that Petty House o ce building and removal of abandoned plant saw the local authority take the head lease. Leeds Studios is undertaking internal touts of the six units it occupies, with the facility due to open in May 2020. Dawn Carlisle, partner in the commercial property team at Shulmans, which represented Caddick Group on the granting of the lease, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Caddick Group and, as two Leeds-based organisations, it has been a pleasure to have played a role in this signi cant cultural project, Channel 4 in Leeds, which will help to bring wider economic bene ts to the region in 2020 and beyond.” Johnny Caddick, director at Caddick Group, said: “There is huge demand for studio space across the UK and in Leeds particularly thanks to the arrival of Channel 4. The broadcaster’s move will prove a massive boost to the city’s economy and Caddick Group is proud to be part of that growth story by transforming a derelict site into a world-class lm and TV complex.”
14 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Business Development Andrew Jackson advises on vessel acquisition for Extreme E o -road racing series at Andrew Jackson, along with paralegal Rebecca Hardy, advised St Helena LLP on the purchase of the 6,767-tonne (gross) vessel, which was previously used to transport armed guards to protect international shing and shipping vessels from the threat of piracy activity o the coast of Somalia, Africa. Commenting on the acquisition, Ward said: “We are delighted to have provided legal advice to our client on this signi cant purchase, which was completed within a tight deadline and involved changing the vessel’s ag.” “We’re also very pleased to Andrew Jackson Solicitors has advised the company behind have been involved in this exciting project, which highlights the Extreme E o -road racing series on the acquisition of a the development of electric vehicles as part of the solution to multi-million pound vessel. the issue of climate change.” The St Helena, which is being transformed into a state-of- The Extreme E series was launched beside Tower Bridge in the-art carrier, will be used as the main hub and operations London in January 2019 and is due to commence in January paddock in the new Extreme E series, as well as transporting next year. the motorsport’s electric-powered cars and racing teams In June 2019, the shipping and transport team at Andrew around the world. Jackson advised marine rm SMS Towage on its acquisition of Dominic Ward, partner and head of shipping and transport a £5 million tug. LEAP 2x: The power of LEAP and more Enhancements that make practising law more e cient than ever The UK’s award-winning Hub. The Ideas Hub is an online practice management portal where law rms using provider rolled out LEAP can put forward their own its biggest software development suggestions.” enhancement to date as LEAP is inviting clients to LEAP 2x launched across the UK. celebrate the launch of 2x at various locations across In January, lawyers using the practice management England and Wales. They will be able to experience the system bene tted from many new enhancements that exciting new features that LEAP have been developing make practising law more e cient than ever. As well as over the last 12 months and see how their feedback has a new, clear and sharp user interface, the introduction of helped to shape the software. LEAP 2x helps to simplify navigation, improve usability and LEAP UK chief executive o cer John Espley deliver multi-window support that allows lawyers to work commented: “Our customer and research-led productivity on multiple matters at the same time. enhancements and development provides world-class UK head of product and innovation at LEAP, John practice management software to deliver an outstanding Flanagan, said: “LEAP invests over £8 million a year user experience to law rms and their users.” into focused research and development. The latest For more information, visit leap.co.uk/2x. If you are new update will deliver huge gains in productivity with most to LEAP and would like a demonstration of the software, enhancements coming from direct feedback via the Ideas email: [email protected].
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 15 News Legal & Community Wake Smith chairman Nick Lambert retires A new litigation solicitor will also join the team in 2020 to take on Lambert’s workload. Baddeley said: “Through all the challenges the firm has faced over many years, Nick has been a superb board member and has done an outstanding job as our Chairman in the last six years. I would personally like to thank him for all his hard work, huge energy and commitment, wishing him all the best as he retires.” Shaw added: “I greatly respect Nick for his commitment and sheer tenacity over the years. His determination, energy and passion for Wake Smith have been instrumental in making it the organisation it is today.” Lambert said: “I have been a practicing solicitor for over 36 years and it’s been a genuine privilege being at the heart of Wake Smith for 12 years and as chairman for six of Nick Lambert, chairman of Wake Smith Solicitors, has those.” announced his retirement after nearly four decades in law. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. It’s a good firm Lambert, a commercial litigation solicitor, has been with the with good people and whilst there will always be bumps Sheffield law firm for 12 years since it merged with Tofields on the road as the legal sector continues to face different in 2007. He also supervised the incorporation of Wake Smith challenges, I know it will continue to prosper and flourish for Solicitors Limited in 2015 and the city centre move for the a very long time to come.” firm in 2016. “I wish John and Liz all the best in their new roles.” He will retire from the firm and the profession completely “I plan on enjoying my retirement away from the law, and at the end of April 2020, with corporate team director John although I will no longer be playing an active part, I’m sure Baddeley taking over as chairman last month and fellow I will watch with interest from afar to see how Wake Smith litigator Elizabeth Shaw becoming head of litigation. progresses.” Secerna expands into bigger York office Intellectual property boutique Secerna has moved into a new development finance and property development and office in York. is the owner of the site, and fellow York-based property Secerna, which is based in York and Newcastle, has moved development business London Ebor. The £14.5 million its head office team of patent attorneys and support staff into scheme combines commercial space alongside 14 a 3,000-square foot office at the newly completed Old Fire townhouses and apartments. Station scheme on Clifford Street. Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: Jason Boakes is one of the firm’s founders and partners. He “It is extremely pleasing to welcome Secerna as our primary said: “Secerna has been based in York since we launched in commercial tenant and welcome additional workers into the 2011. The city has given us a fantastic base for doing business city’s economy. The firm is expanding, and the space is being with clients throughout the world, and we’re very excited fitted out to the highest specifications to reflect its status.” to begin the next stage of our growth from such a landmark city centre building.” “It’s great to see that so many of the building’s original characteristics have been retained in its redevelopment and blend seamlessly with the modern interior. It’s a superb space that suits our business perfectly.” Secerna owner and partner Charlotte Watkins added: “As the firm continues to grow, these new, larger premises will give us the space we need to bring new people into the team and fulfil our growth ambitions. They will also make it easier for us to travel between our York and Newcastle offices and provide space for clients to visit.” The Old Fire Station scheme is a joint venture between Helmsley Group, which offers commercial property syndication,
16 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Legal & Community Switalskis specialist travels to Ghana to advise on childcare system Families for Abandoned Children (SFAC) in conjunction with Ghana Without Orphans and supported by the Judicial Training Institute in Ghana. It was sponsored by global charity Advocates for International Development and its Rule of Law Expertise UK programme. Uppal spoke alongside SFAC director Dan Hope and non-practicing solicitor Ruth Sharon on topics including the role of the court in child protection and the care of children, determining cases, the child’s voice in court hearings, the role of a legal care plan, and determining care options. Over the course of the four-day visit, the team ran training for 15 high court judges and 70 circuit judges, judges, magistrates, social workers and the head of the national adoption unit. Uppal said: “The aim of the training was to help develop the judicial system for the protection of children and young people The Ghanaian government has enlisted the support of in Ghana by sharing our knowledge and experience of the Yorkshire childcare law specialist Ranjit Uppal of Switalskis English childcare and family law systems.” Solicitors to provide advice on developing the country’s Uppal has worked closely with SFAC for several years, childcare system. supporting the group’s ambition to ensure that everyone Uppal, director and solicitor advocate at Switalskis, visited providing care for vulnerable children, wherever they are in Ghana as part of a delegation to provide training for high the world, can access training and professional support that is court judges and share UK best practice with members of the adaptable and applicable to their own culture and context. judiciary, police force, government ministers and officials that To date, he has helped host visits to the UK and has will help develop the Ghanaian childcare and legal systems. travelled to Paraguay, Brazil and Africa to run training for the The visit was facilitated by UK-based group Strengthening government officials and members of the judiciary. LCF Law signs lease on new Leeds city centre office LCF Law is expanding its Leeds city centre office into 6,000 square feet of newly refurbished space at 33 Park Place. The new premises will accommodate 60 of LCF Law’s team, with lawyers and support staff moving from the firm’s existing Leeds city centre office on Sovereign Street. The firm, which provides a full range of corporate and personal legal services, will relocate to Park Place soon. LCF Law also has offices in Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley, and has agreed a 10-year lease with Property Alliance Group. The Manchester-based property development and investment company has recently invested £1 million in the building, creating an on-site gym with showers and secure bike storage, as well as completely remodelling and refurbishing the building’s reception area, communal spaces and outdoor area. Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “We’ve enjoyed a significant uplift in work throughout our Leeds office in recent years, across our corporate and personal divisions, and our team has grown in line with this.” “Locating to 33 Park Place will provide us with a high- quality and impressive office space, that benefits from an exceptional range of amenities. It’s also ideally located at the heart of Leeds city centre’s legal and financial district, which will be a fantastic base for us as we embark on our next phase of growth.” Rob Peill, head of offices at Alliance, said: “Our major investment in this scheme meets the growing demand from of the space creating a much more contemporary look occupiers for more amenity space, especially facilities which and attractive working environment for occupiers. These can help improve people’s health and wellbeing.” improvements have been instrumental in securing several “The upgrade has also transformed a significant proportion lettings in recent months.”
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 17 News Legal & Community Ison Harrison officially opens York office and makes new appointment Ison Harrison has officially launched its office in York and appointed a new family law specialist. After originally opening in York in late 2018, a busy 2019 gave rise to the need for an updated premises with a shop front, which the team moved into in late December. The firm’s new office at 23 Micklegate was officially launched on 9 January 2020 during a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the lord mayor of York, councillor Janet Looker. The sheriff of York, Jo Trythall, and the York town crier, Ben Fry, were also in attendance. The opening was attended by 70 guests including Ison Harrison clients and representatives from businesses and partners from the firm. Following an official opening of the branch, guests were invited to the local Tank & Paddle pub for nibbles and drinks where managing partner, Jonathan Wearing, gave a speech. In addition to starting 2020 with a new office, a new team “Building on our existing areas of specialism is also high on member has also joined the York branch’s existing team, the agenda which will lead to further job creation, as we’ve bolstering the firm’s family law service. already seen with the appointment of outstanding family Solicitor Shelley Britton brings more than seven years of solicitor, Shelley Britton. 2020 is shaping up to be a very experience dealing with all aspects of family law, including exciting year.” Children Act matters, domestic abuse and divorce. Britton The York office of Ison Harrison will focus on servicing joins from Switalskis Solicitors. both private and business client needs, helping them to The York branch is one of the newest offices to open in access a wide range of legal expertise including all types of Ison Harrison’s existing network of 14 branches across Leeds, conveyancing, family law and wills and probate. West and South Yorkshire. The prominent new Micklegate They will also provide York with access to a wide range location features ground floor access combined with more of specialist services provided by Ison Harrison experts office and private meeting room space. located at its Leeds head office, including a full commercial Local resident and experienced property solicitor Chris law service. Brierley leads the York branch. He has more than 10 years of Jonathan Wearing, managing partner at Ison Harrison, said: experience in conveyancing and his expertise spans several “Continued growth led to a great first year of operation for areas of law, including residential property. the York branch, facilitating the need for recruitment and Commenting on the official launch of the new office, office expansion.” Brierley said: “2019 was a great first full year in business for “As evidenced by the tremendous turnout for our official us and this move has meant we are getting off to the best office launch event, this is an exciting start to the year possible start for the New Year and new decade.” for the firm in a key area for us and we are relishing the “Our relocation underpins Ison Harrison’s growing opportunity of building on the great work achieved in the presence in York and provides a great foundation for the past 12 months to achieve even greater success.” future as we look to build relationships with clients and “This approach reflects our firm-wide objective of retaining partner with other leading local businesses to provide the a visible presence on the high street and staying in touch best legal advice possible.” with our clients and the communities we operate in.” Stephen Wood receives QC appointment Stephen Wood, Wood recently prosecuted John Taylor, who was handed head of the a life sentence for the murder of Leanne Tiernan. Taylor is criminal team now serving a full life sentence, after Wood prosecuted at Leeds- and him for serious historic sexual offences committed before Bradford-based the murder. Broadway House He also prosecuted the former lead singer of rock group Chambers, has The Lostprophets for offences committed in custody. been appointed as Abigail Langford, deputy head of the criminal team Queen’s Counsel. at Broadway House Chambers, congratulated Wood on Pupil to Graham his appointment, saying: “This is a thoroughly deserved Hyland QC and Ian appointment for a brilliant criminal barrister.” Newbon, Wood Wood said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been (Called 1991) has appointed QC. I will always be grateful to my family, my practised for almost 30 years and is a leading barrister in colleagues in chambers, local legal professionals and the the field of criminal law. judiciary for their support and encouragement”.
18 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Yorkshire Accountancy
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® News Social & Charity Blacks Solicitors raises £12k+ for Leeds Mind Leeds-based Blacks Leeds who need it most. We wish the team at Blacks all the Solicitors is celebrating best in their future fundraising endeavours and look forward after raising more than to seeing their 2020 activities.” £12,000 for its charity of the Blacks is grateful for the support of everyone involved in year, Leeds Mind. raising the funds, which surpassed the amount donated in The team arranged a 2019 of £10,000 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund and other series of events throughout Leeds-based charities. 2019 to raise money for the Nick Dyson, partner and member of the corporate social Leeds-based mental health responsibility team at Blacks, said: “We’re so proud of the charity, including a bake funds we’ve raised to support such a well-known and sale and tombola, 30km walk, bingo night, rowathon and deserving charity. The work Leeds Mind does benefits huge Christmas jumper day. numbers of people in communities across the city.” The funds raised by Blacks will ensure Leeds Mind can “We’ve had a brilliant time planning and taking part in the continue to support Leeds residents facing mental health fundraising events throughout the year. They’re a great way difficulties. Services that will benefit include counselling, to get everyone together in a non-work setting and involved employment support and suicide bereavement training. in our CSR activity. Personally, I think the 30km walk in the Charli Brunning, corporate fundraising officer at Leeds Mind, summer was a huge highlight as it was a little different to our commented: “We’re extremely grateful to the team at Blacks other annual events and so many people took part.” for supporting Leeds Mind throughout 2019 and raising “We’re looking forward to seeing how Leeds Mind will use such a significant amount. We’ve had an incredible year of the funds we’ve raised, and looking ahead to 2020 and the fundraising events and the monies raised will go a long way CSR activity we’ll be arranging.” to enabling our support services throughout the city to Blacks plans to continue its fundraising efforts in 2020, and continue, and allow us to continue supporting the people of will announce its main charity partner soon.
Simpson Millar Leeds office rallies to help raise £32,000 for Headway Representatives from specialist medical law and serious Simpson Millar also hosted a masquerade ball at the Hilton injury law firm Simpson Millar attended the Headway Annual Hotel in Liverpool in September, which was attended by Awards ceremony in London recently to officially deliver a more than 140 people and raised in excess of £9,000. The cheque for more than £32,000. combined efforts of the staff saw them easily beat their initial Part of the firm’s commitment to its role as 2019 ‘baton £20,000 target. holder’ for the brain injury association charity Headway, The Annual Headway Annual Awards at the InterContinental the money, which was raised through staff-led fundraising in Mayfair celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of initiatives throughout last year, will be used to support its brain injury as well as those caring and supporting them. work helping people who have been directly and indirectly Ian Cohen, head of personal injury and medical negligence affected by brain injury. claims at Simpson Millar, said: “It’s been an honour for us to The funding efforts from the Leeds team, and from across support Headway throughout 2019 especially in this, their Simpson Millar’s network of 11 offices, included taking part 40th anniversary year. Well done to everyone, both inside in ‘Go Wild’—Headway’s annual Corporate Challenge to take and outside of the firm, who took part in our events and who on a variety of grueling outdoor activities, including trekking, donated essential funds to a wonderful charity.” climbing and lake swimming—mince pie mornings, and the “The work that Headway do on behalf of serious head #HatsForHeadway event. injury victims is absolutely invaluable. At Simpson Millar, we know that when people suffer life-changing injuries they and their families need a lot of support after an accident and Headway helps rehabilitate those most in need. Our own values of being open and supportive of survivors of brain injury and their families are a perfect fit with Headway and we look forward to continuing our support and building our relationship with Headway in the years to come.” Jo Plant, director of fundraising for Headway, said: “We are so grateful to everyone at Simpson Millar who worked so hard and showed such courage taking part in some truly testing fundraising events. It was lovely to see how the whole organisation really got behind Headway to give their time and effort so generously throughout the year. To break what was already a difficult target by so much is amazing, and the money raised by their efforts will enable the charity to support many people living with the consequences of brain injury. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
20 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Social & Charity Family law experts in Sheffield raise money in memory of Vanessa Fox entertainment by a local improvisation comedy duo and an opportunity to shop for festive treats, courtesy of seven local businesses who donated their time. A raffle of more than 30 prizes was also held, including a Rovers Return tray, signed by the cast of Coronation Street. Co-hosts for the evening included Lucy Rodgers of Taylor&Emmet, Carmel Doyle of Focus Family Mediation, Joe Bartlett of Keebles, Emilie Garthwaite- Tunnard of Cartwright King and barrister Pennie Stanistreet of St John’s Buildings. Evans, head of family law at Taylor&Emmet, said: “On May 21 last year, Sheffield’s legal community Six family law experts in Sheffield have helped to raise more lost one of its finest, my friend, Vanessa Fox. I decided simply than £3,000 in memory of a colleague and friend who lost her remembering her wasn’t enough; my colleagues and I wanted battle with breast cancer last year. to do something in her name. We were delighted that so Taylor&Emmet partner Michaela Evans and five fellow family many people enjoyed our fundraising event and I was very law experts from across the city organised a fun-filled evening proud to raise so much money for breast cancer care.” in honour of Vanessa Fox, a former partner at Keebles, raising Breast Cancer Now funds research and provides expert staff, £3,692 for Breast Cancer Now. volunteers and information to ensure anyone diagnosed with Held at the Sheffield Hilton Hotel, the event was attended the disease receives the support they need to deal with its by more than 125 guests, who were treated to food and drink, physical and emotional impacts. Wilkin Chapman festive stride-outs to support eight veterans Eight military veterans will be funded to receive vital help as part of their civilian rehabilitation, following a series of sponsored walks held by teams at Wilkin Chapman. As part of the firm’s commitment to supporting Armed Forces personnel, its offices in Grimsby, Lincoln and Beverley, supported by those in the Wolds and the Doncaster business solution team, organised the festive stride-outs in December as part of the national Walking Home For Christmas campaign. The campaign itself was launched across the UK by the charity, Walking With The Wounded. The total fundraising for the walks was £5,600—surpassing an initial target of £4,725 and therefore enough to support eight veterans through bespoke mental wellbeing rehabilitation programmes. In addition to that total, Wilkin Chapman raised £1,000 from events during 2019’s Armed Forces Day, which was presented to Walking With The Wounded at the same time, making a total of £6,600. Walking With The Wounded and its services to support Wilkin Chapman partner and military sector lead James military veterans who have fallen on hard times post service.” Marsden was delighted to present the money to the charity’s His colleague, partnerships and events manager, Andy corporate sponsorship and development manager, Joel Sloan, added his thanks, saying: “Thank you to everyone Oxberry. The presentation took place at The Collection at Wilkin Chapman for taking part in Walking Home For Museum in Lincoln where The Century of Valour exhibition Christmas and walking to support those who have served. is being held. Featuring in the displays at the exhibition, of It’s a great team-building event and seeing each office get which Wilkin Chapman is a sponsor, is the famous Victoria involved was inspiring. The team has raised an incredible Cross of Wing Commander Guy Gibson. amount. Your extraordinary fundraising efforts will enable us Oxberry said: “Being a charity, we depend greatly on the to make life-changing differences to veterans throughout the generosity of organisations like Wilkin Chapman. In truth, UK in our 10th anniversary year.” it’s only due to committed companies, and the individuals On behalf of Wilkin Chapman, Marsden said: “In supporting that make up their workforces, that we are able to support veterans in this way, we also hope to raise the profile of the veterans in need with mental health and employment help that can be required by former Armed Forces personnel. support. We’re proud to partner with Wilkin Chapman and are Of course, there are many who will successfully re-join civilian thankful for their consistent support over the past year. ” life, but those who do not deserve our respect and our “Importantly, we look forward to working with the team help. Everyone here at Wilkin Chapman is delighted to have once again as we celebrate 10 years since establishing helped in this way.”
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 21 News Appointments Moving on up A round-up of the latest appointments and promotions in Leeds and Yorkshire Andrew Jackson kicked o the new Building Society, covering all aspects of the credit process year with the announcement of several through to litigation and business recovery. new appointments within its regulatory, Nigel Whit eld, head of business recovery and insolvency litigation and corporate teams. One at Lupton Fawcett, said: “Robert’s breadth of experience notable appointment is Vanessa Crossley and knowledge of debt and business recovery will enhance (pictured), who joined the regulatory the professional services we o er to existing as well as new team forming part of the rm’s shipping clients.” and litigation department as an Newly quali ed solicitor Sarah Proctor also joined the associate and as a practising barrister. Lupton Fawcett dispute resolution team in York. Andrew Oliver, partner and head of Proctor (pictured: bottom, right) joined the rm in 2015 the regulatory team, said: “Vanessa’s extensive experience after completing a graduate diploma in law. as a barrister will add a new dimension to our client o er, as Her training contract followed the Solicitors Regulation we frequently provide advice to businesses and individuals Authority’s ‘work-based experience’ initiative, which takes on regulatory matters, covering both the marine sector, prior experience into account to reduce the length of the as well as on land, which is a unique combination. We are training programme. particularly busy with sheries and marine prosecutions, but Proctor completed the accelerated part-time legal practice we also have a number of cases involving the food industry, course at BPP Law School in 2017 while working as a waste, the care sector and agriculture. Vanessa will be a great litigation executive at Lupton Fawcett. t with the team, providing additional higher rights advocacy Jonathan Cripwell, head of the Lupton Fawcett York o ce cover in the Crown Court. We’re really pleased to have her on and head of dispute resolution in the city, said: “As a rm we board and warmly welcome her to the rm.” pride ourselves on developing talented young people and Robert Best jalso oined the litigation and dispute resolution providing them with a rewarding career. Sarah has already team as a paralegal and Liam Hessay joined the corporate gained considerable experience and has done exceptionally team, in the same role. well in balancing her training with working as a solicitor. She Mark Pearson-Kendall, managing partner of Andrew Jackson, has established herself as a key member of the team and we added: “Andrew Jackson’s commitment to o ering legal advice are looking forward to seeing her progress further.” and services covering all aspects of the law is consistently Another newly quali ed solicitor, Lilly Grant, joined the recognised in our client feedback. It’s important to us that we family law team at Lupton Fawcett in December. Grant further strengthen our team with highly skilled individuals like earned her law degree at the University of She eld before Vanessa, Robert and Liam, so that we can continue to provide going on to complete the legal practice course at the the highest standards in service and value for our clients.” University of Law in Leeds. She joined Lupton Fawcett in October 2016 as a paralegal Lupton Fawcett in the dispute management department and assisted on a appointed Robert range of matters. Barnard to its business recovery Wilkin Chapman added Stacey Heeley and insolvency to its family team in Grimsby. Her new department as role sees her working with partner Mark client services Carlton, who heads up the team with principal. almost three decades of experience. Robert (pictured: Heeley (pictured: top) successfully top, right) has completed her CILEx training to become more than 20 years a lawyer (chartered legal executive) in of litigation and 2015, specialising in family, wills and business recovery probate and property law and has since experience. He built up a portfolio of varied experience. has previously Welcoming Heeley to the rm, Carlton acted for leading said: “I am delighted that Stacey has nancial institutions joined us, bringing with her experience including Yorkshire that will complement and support Bank and Skipton our Grimsby family team. Stacey is
22 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Appointments also representative of how a person with the drive and Walker Foster appointed solicitor enthusiasm for law will succeed.” Edward Sanderson as its new head Wilkin Chapman also appointed property lawyer Andrew of family law. Sanderson quali ed as Harbourne as a partner. a solicitor in 2013 and joined Walker Harbourne (pictured: bottom), who joined the law rm after Foster in January 2020 from Leeds rm relocating from London and the Home Counties, specialises Austin Kemp. He specialises in divorce, in commercial property. He will work across the Humber and separation, nances and children. In Lincolnshire region. his previous role, Sanderson (pictured) He also has signi cant expertise in the construction handled complex ancillary relief nance sector, working on multi-million-pound projects, including cases and international divorce. He is university, charity and housing association schemes, as well based in the rm’s Skipton o ce. as the construction of a large hotel on the fringes of the City Director Keith Hardington said: “We are delighted to of London, the refurbishment of a group of iconic buildings welcome Ed to the Walker Foster team. He brings with him a in London mid-town and the construction of a bridge over a real sense of caring about his clients as well as the specialist major railway line. knowledge of family law.” Other specialisms include charity law relating to property, Sanderson said: “I am excited to have joined Walker Foster and the schools, further and higher education property sector. and look forward to building upon the great work the family team has been doing. I am fortunate enough to be told that Walker Morris appointed Laura I look younger than my years (and long may that continue), McLellan as a director in its employment but my youthful looks bely my knowledge and experience.” team. She brings signi cant experience to its employment practice, having Scho eld Sweeney acted for clients such as Tesco, Greggs announced ve new and Eddie Stobart. promotions. Craig Burman, McLellan (pictured) joined the team Simon Glazebrook and Laura from Squire Patton Boggs, having Salvati have been promoted to acquired over 12 years of post-quali ed partner. Daniel Bisby has been experience. She brings with her a wealth of experience in promoted to associate and all areas of employment law including tribunal litigation Susan Ram is now a director. experience and the undertaking of her own advocacy for Burman (pictured: left) clients at employment tribunal hearings. She has advised on leads the environmental high-pro le cases in the past including a large scale multi- and regulatory team at claimant litigation with up to 500 claimants as well as mass Scho eld Sweeney. Previously changes to terms and conditions project, a ecting upwards a prosecutor at the Environmental Agency, he joined the of 32,000 employees. rm in 2015. He advises public and private sector clients on Commenting on McLellan’s appointment, David Smedley, contentious and non-contentious environmental matters, head of employment and chairman of partners at Walker health and safety o ences, ooding and drainage, food Morris, said: “The changing landscape of employment law hygiene, and regulatory compliance. a ects our clients’ needs for legal advice. Laura’s appointment Salvati (centre) joined Scho eld Sweeney in 2012 and reinforces the signi cant level of expertise in our now leads the property litigation team in Leeds. She acts employment team. Having an experienced team, especially for a broad range of clients, including developers, national with Laura’s experience in high-pro le cases and litigation retailers, shopping centres and owner-managed businesses. experience, ensures our ability to provide our clients with Commenting on her promotion, Salvati said: “I joined Scho eld expert legal advice..” Sweeney as a junior lawyer. Throughout my time here I have steadily progressed, had excellent development opportunities An experienced and exposure to challenging and exciting work. The rm immigration solicitor continues to go from strength to strength and I am delighted to joined Williamsons be part of one of the leading law rms in Yorkshire.” Solicitors in Hull, Glazebrook has been promoted to partner in the private marking the creation client team and leads the rm’s Leeds o ering. of a new department Ram was promoted to director in the residential for the private client conveyancing team in Bradford. rm. Frances Ledbury Bisby’s (right) promotion to associate in the rm’s corporate (pictured) works for individuals and businesses in a full range team is in recognition of his continued development within of immigration issues and also has a speciality in applications the team and follows another successful year which saw him for declarations of presumed death. take the lead on a multitude of transactions. Williamsons director Bill Waddington said : “Frances is Commenting on his promotion, Bisby said: “I am really a leader in her eld with huge experience and adding pleased to have been promoted within a great team at immigration law to our services is a very exciting Scho eld Sweeney, a rm who clearly recognise hard work development for the rm.” and look after their employees.”
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 23 News Appointments
Bevan Brittan appointed James Teagle as a partner in its property disputes team. Teagle (pictured) joined Bevan Brittan’s Toronto Square-based Leeds o ce from Blacks Solicitors, where he was a partner and the head of the property disputes team. He has experience of resolving land and property-based disputes, including those centring on business tenancy renewals; service charge, rent review and dilapidations disagreements; and disputes around restrictive covenants, easements, trespass and claims for possession. He is regularly involved in complex, high-value claims. As well as owners and tenants, he also frequently works for receivers and litigation cases including those in the High Court and Court secured lenders. of Appeal. Teagle said: “[Bevan Brittan] have a thriving Leeds o ce Day (centre) has a reputation as an exemplary family lawyer. and a strong national presence advising clients on property Recognised in industry guides, she is among the youngest and estates disputes and litigation as well as a host of related department heads in Yorkshire. issues. It feels like a great t for me and I am really looking Whincup (left), who has a background in professional forward to this new chapter in my career.” services marketing, has led the rm’s marketing function for almost four years. During that time, he has overseen the rm’s Ramsdens Solicitors appointed Sarah recent rebrand, launch of a standalone digital law unit and Hodkinson as a senior associate in its run campaigns that have garnered industry recognition. private client team. Hodkinson joined Berwins managing director Sarah Smith said “We’re excited from Scho eld Sweeney and took up a to see these three highly talented individuals move on to the key role within the department at the next stages of their careers with us.” rm’s Edgerton o ce. “During their time with the rm, each of our newly Hodkinson (pictured) has been appointed associate directors has committed themselves to quali ed as a solicitor for more than their roles, using their talents to further the business goals of 20 years and specialises in tax, trusts, their respective teams.” wills and estates advice for individuals with private wealth and their families. She has expertise in succession planning and asset protection with the use of trusts and tax e cient wills, and also deals with both types of lasting powers of attorney. Hodkinson acts in the administration of complex and high-value estates, which include claims for agricultural and business property relief, and has acted as an attorney for an executor living abroad. She has also been appointed as an independent executor in disputed estates. Hodkinson said: “I am delighted to have joined one of the leading and well established Legal 500 law rms in Yorkshire. I live locally and have spent my whole career working in the area, so appreciate the reputation that Ramsdens has built up over the years. I look forward to expanding the private client Two new appointments joined the clinical negligence and department in the Hudders eld area and developing the child abuse teams at Switalskis Solicitors. services we o er.” Burhan Akhtar and Nikki Przewoznik completed Veronica Mullins, partner at Ramsdens, said: “We are their training contracts at Switalskis Solicitors before excited to welcome Sarah to our private client team here being appointed as fully quali ed solicitors in the rm’s at Ramsdens. Her experience and expertise will be a huge Hudders eld o ce. asset as we look to generate continued growth across the Akhtar (pictured: right) spent time in the family law and department and the rm.” child abuse teams, followed by the clinical negligence team in Hudders eld, where he will now remain on a permanent Berwins named three new associate directors. Unit heads basis. Przewoznik also worked in clinical negligence, moving Andrew Mawdsley (dispute resolution), Danielle Day (family) recently to the child abuse team. and Martin Whincup (marketing) have all been promoted. Przewoznik (left) has an estate agency background and Mawdsley (pictured: right), who also serves as a deputy was previously a regional property valuer. Having completed district judge, has led the dispute resolution team at Berwins her law degree, Przewoznik used her work experience to join since joining the rm in 2017. He routinely acts on complex Switalskis in the conveyancing department in May 2016 and
24 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer News Appointments
Helping you to protectthen went your on to secure professional a training contract, which started reputation in trainee was a challenging, yet interesting, experience. I have January 2018. enjoyed working alongside experienced lawyers to help Commenting on her appointment, Przewoznik: “I get a progress claims and I also enjoy engaging with new potential great sense of satisfaction in achieving justice for clients clients with the possibility of helping them to investigate When it comes to arranging yourwho have Professional previously been failed Indemnity throughout their lifeInsurance, and in their we claims.” bring you giving the clients the opportunity to nally be acknowledged “Intertwining the complexities of the medical and legal independence, experience, in-depthand heard. It’s anknowledge incredibly hard-working of the department, legal yet profession aspects of and this area in- of law is rewarding as no two cases are house claims support. still maintains a friendly atmosphere and there is a strong ever the same. It’s an extremely rewarding area of law to team spirit amongst the team, which I particularly enjoy.” work in to see the positive impact made to an individual and Akhtar joined Switalskis in November 2014. He their family following a life changing incident.” subsequently studied the legal practice course, at University Ruth Coneron, director at Switalskis, said: “We are very Finding the right policy for yourof Law whilepractice working atis Switalskis. not as simple as findingpleased the to cheapest have Burhan and Nikki on board as quali ed Before starting his training at Switalskis, Akhtar worked in its lawyers, joining such highly regarded teams in their cover or the largest insurer. We offeremployment andfull family market law departments. coverage His seats rather were in thanrespective a selected industries. Developing and attracting newly panel of insurers, and combinefamily technical law, child abuse knowledgeand clinical negligence. gained in thetrained London solicitors like Nikki and Burhan is a key objective for Akhtar said: “Joining the clinical negligence team as a our rm in its succession planning.” Market with local, personal service.
Professional indemnity01943 876631 specialist For more information or to joinsarrange a [email protected] insurance broker quote for your next renewal, contact Gareth Milner joinswww.jmginsurance.co.uk/solicitorspi JM Glendinning Professional Risks as client director Jake Fox
JM Glendinning is a top 75 insurance broker, has set out plans to rank J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited is an appointed representative of J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Limited, group’s professional among the top 50 insurance brokers in the UK in the next which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered in England & Wales at Elmwood House, Ghyll Royd, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9LT. risks business ve years. Its professional risks business has grown from a J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited. Registered No 9828000. has recruited a standing start to an £8 million premium income business senior professional in under ve years, with further signi cant growth forecast indemnity insurance for the coming ve years. specialist to support Milner said: “JM Glendinning’s ‘client rst’ approach, vision its ambitious growth for the future and the high calibre of colleagues across the plans. group attracted me to the role. The risk landscape for law Gareth Milner joins rms continues to evolve. Economic conditions, the pace JM Glendinning of technology and the changing regulatory picture all Professional Risks mean it is more important than ever for legal businesses as client director, to have best in class, independent advice and access bringing 13 years of insurance industry experience to to the right insurance products. I’m looking forward to the team. Working with the rm’s existing law rm clients helping the team excel and achieve our ambitions.” and responsible for bringing on board new contacts, Managing director Jake Fox set up the professional Milner will be instrumental in helping realise the growth risks arm of the JM Glendinning group in 2015 to deliver ambitions of the business. The new appointment takes the specialist broking and claims support for professional number of sta in the professional risks business to six. services rms. Fox said: “Gareth is a great addition to Having gained experience at JLT, AON and latterly Leeds- the team and complements our existing skills sets well. based PIB Insurance Brokers, Milner specialises in advising His appointment will support our continued growth on professional indemnity insurance, management liability momentum, bringing even more expertise to our team and ancillary insurance services for law rms of all sizes. which has over 70 years’ collective experience.” His new role will see him help legal practices manage risk For further information about JM Glendinning and while bringing them the widest and most competitive how it supports the professional services with their insurance options. professional indemnity insurance requirements, visit www. The independently owned JM Glendinning group, which jmginsurance.co.uk.
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 25 Cover Story View 2020 The year ahead From growing their law rms and updates to divorce law to Leeds United, several members of the Leeds and Yorkshire profession o er a glimpse of what’s to come for them this year Emma Pearmaine which the bill has to pass and in practice, judging how long Managing director of it has taken to reach this stage, it will be at least 12 months Ridley & Hall before changes are introduced. Hopefully, though, Parliament President of Leeds Law will have a little more time on its hands after 31 January… Society This decade is all about Rachel Roche strategic growth, meeting Founder operational targets and Roche Legal increasing our pro tability A new year is the ideal for Ridley & Hall, which is a opportunity to take stock and challenge for a small high refocus on your business and street rm delivering direct what’s needed to get it to the to the consumer with a not insigni cant reliance on publicly next milestone. At Roche Legal, funded work. Continuing to grow our privately funded work we’ve adopted the habit of and focusing on working smart across the business is part of setting a yearly theme for our the plan. We are investing heavily in IT and innovation and business development. Last while our small size presents challenges in the marketplace it year was all about processes and we now feel we’ve really does mean we are nimble and able to adapt quickly to new got a handle on those—well, for now! In 2020 we’ve decided ways of working and this makes for an exciting few years to concentrate on people. This means we want to develop ahead for me as managing director. the individuals who make up Roche Legal, but also—more importantly—we want to make sure we’re looking after our Lyn Ayrton clients as well as we possibly can. Managing partner and From what we can see, the most successful law rms head of family law team put people at the heart of their overall strategy and grow Lake Legal organically from there. We plan to spend time this year This year marks my 30th year determining what’s most important to our clients and how we in practice. Although much can best support them in their journey. has changed, one aspect of family law that has remained Peter McCormick OBE constant throughout relates to Senior partner of the somewhat archaic nature McCormicks Solicitors of our divorce law—that is Member, then chairman of, until now. This year has already the Legal Advisory Group seen, on 7 January, the rst reading in the House of Lords of of the Premier League; the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, which, if passed, chairman of the Football will remove the need to base a divorce petition on adultery Board; and vice chairman or behaviour, where the parties have not otherwise been of the FA separated for a period of two years. As someone heavily involved in On the latest o cial gures available, almost half of all English football, I would really divorce petitions are based on ‘unreasonable behaviour’. like 2020 to be the year that our Under the proposed reforms, a couple would be able simply long-standing friends and clients, Leeds United, nally return to cite ‘irretrievable breakdown’ as the sole reason for seeking to the Premier League after 16 years. As well as being great a divorce and, in a moment of remarkable forward thinking, for football, this would be a major boost for the whole region. the divorce could be sought by the parties jointly rather than The icing on the cake would be to see England, led by our at present where one party always has to take the lead. The Yorkshire-based Manager Gareth Southgate, winning the UEFA removal of a largely fault-based divorce system would be the Euro 2020, in England in July. ‘shake up’ of the century from a family law perspective. The The rami cations of the rollout of Brexit will continue to House of Lords will debate the bill during its second reading occupy the legal community and we are already seeing this on 5 February. There are still many (too many) stages through in football, where the free movement of players from outside
26 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Cover Story View 2020 of the UK to come and play here is already a key topic of Defendants, witnesses and discussion, across not only the Premier League but also the victims can wait years for English Football League. This will undoubtedly a ect many trial dates and the Crown other professions and will be a major issue to work through. Prosecution Service is unable to adequately prepare cases Suzanne Liversidge because of a lack of resources. Global managing partner Courts sit empty due to a lack Kennedys of judges. This year is already shaping In large areas of England and up to be another busy and Wales people cannot access exciting one for Kennedys, legal advice for housing or as we continue our global community care issues. The strategy to be the go-to rm Law Society has published heat maps showing the shortage within the markets that we of providers of legal advice on housing law and community operate. Our She eld o ce care law, which demonstrates the impact of successive celebrates its 10th anniversary reductions in legal aid funding. People on low incomes this year too, which I am facing serious legal issues are struggling to obtain the local immensely proud about. Our regional network plays an legal advice they should be entitled to. integral part of our overall strategy and we expect continued I am looking forward to seeing in 2020 details of exactly how growth throughout 2020. the government proposes to achieve a “fair justice system”. We are also thrilled to have launched the second instalment of our Ideas Lab, a global initiative through which Chris Allen any member of our rm can forward ideas on how to create Managing partner future products and deliver modern legal services that are Blacks Solicitors anchored to Kennedys’s core principle of helping clients to In terms of the Yorkshire use lawyers less. I can’t wait to see the next generation of economy, generally I am ideas that come to life—the creativity of our people never looking forward to (and fails to impress me! I’m also looking forward to my club, hoping for) a year ahead with She eld United, nishing high in the premier league table less uncertainty and more and securing a European place! commitment from businesses to projects that may have David Barraclough been put on the ‘back President burner’ in 2019. Personally, Yorkshire Union of Law Societies I am looking forward to working with senior leaders in The Conservative Party manifesto for the December 2019 organisations across Bradford and providing a greater input general election made a very small reference to “a fair to Bradford Breakthrough. I am also excited about watching justice system”. It would have been easy to miss it. We have the development of Bradford Live and the impact that it has a criminal justice system that is in a state of near collapse. on the city and surrounding area. Yorkshire Legal News
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The Official Journal Nuclear Future of the Nuclear Institute
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Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 27 Comment Patrick Walker Piering across the water Patrick Walker heads south (but not for long!) My wife thinks that I am biased against the Southend: “a great place to go on the beach with south. It’s an outrageous accusation against a a bucket and dipstick”, “a cemetery with lights” man who acknowledges that while no match where “you can take a boat ride out into the bay for the Yorkshire Dales, there are pleasant parts and round the point … they don’t come back— of the Peak District as far south as Buxton. The they never found anyone who wanted to!” problem is that she is from Hornsea/y and But I wanted to show willing and after an that apparently, in addition to the well known afternoon tea of 100-year scones and almost Yorkshire seaside town, is an area of London with defrosted gateaux, we set o for the longest a similar name. I suppose it is not surprising— pier in the world, quite ready to accept Sir the need to celebrate Yorkshire extends from John Betjeman’s observation that “the Pier is Patrick Walker is Richmond Virginia to New York. Southend, Southend is the Pier”. With a length of an independent After Christmas, I buried my prejudices in a 1.34 miles and hosting Jamie Oliver’s Jamie and mediator: shallow grave and headed o on an outing Jimmy Café, it had to be worth a look. It might www.imediate.co.uk to ‘Sarfend’ to celebrate the 100th birthday have been, but the pier was shut and locked, of an aunt to my trouble and strife. The hotel guarded by aking berglass dinosaurs, and the was advertised as the best in town and on the famous café operates only during lming. beachfront, a careful description designed to We watched the tree being planted in honour avoid any express reference to the sea, when of Auntie Elsie’s centenary. Alan Titchmarsh most of the time any water was too far out to was apparently taught by his Bradford Council be visible to the naked eye. Even so, looking employers that the last and most important part at the slime and mud ats, even the word of the process is talking to the tree. He asked his ‘beach’ was pushing it. I realised that all those boss what he should say and the suggestion old Morecambe jokes were borrowed from was “grow, you bugger, grow”, but the Essex equivalent was no more than a grunt. Before I upset too many readers (and I know what a cosmopolitan world the Yorkshire legal profession has become), my comments are pretty tongue in cheek and I could probably nd a few less than perfect experiences in Filey if I tried. But as I headed back north I was reminded that not only that trip, but my travels as a mediator all over the country, give me some wonderful glimpses of the diversity of towns, landscapes and people who make up what I hope will remain the United Kingdom. I love Yorkshire and I readily see why other regions should celebrate their history and customs, language and accents, and culture and countryside, but I struggle to understand why such pride and joy should become a political struggle for independence. Some degree of local government is almost certainly a good thing, and if dual language road signs make your day, then that’s ne by me, but whatever our views about leaving the European Union, perhaps now is the time to think hard about and cherish our British Union. Mind you, if Southend would like independence, their pier almost reaches France already!
28 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Yorkshire Legal Support Trust Access to Justice YLST: Boosting access to justice in 2020 Yorkshire Legal Support Trust committee chair David Barraclough highlights the fundraising events supporting access to justice to expect this year
Following a highly The ATJF is headquartered in London, close to the Law successful year of Society in Chancery Lane, but works nationally with the eight fundraising in 2019, local support trusts across England and Wales—the London the Yorkshire Legal Legal Support Trust, South West Legal Support Trust, Eastern Support Trust (YLST) Legal Support Trust, North East Legal Support Trust, North is now working on a West Legal Support Trust, Reaching Justice Wales and the programme of events YLST. In 2019, more than 20 regional legal walks were held in to further increase the England and Wales, raising a total of around £140,000. level of fundraising to Importantly, funds raised in Yorkshire by the YLST, topped support access to justice up by additional funding received centrally by the ATJF, in 2020. The 2020 Great are distributed in Yorkshire to those agencies that provide Legal Bake will be held free legal assistance to the poorest, most vulnerable and nationally between the disadvantaged members of society who are struggling with 10 and 14 February, the homelessness, debt, family disputes, mental health issues, 2020 She eld Legal discrimination and other problems. Those agencies are asked Walk will be held on 12 May, the 2020 York Legal Walk will be to submit bids for funding on an annual basis to the ATJF held on 19 May, the 2020 Leeds Legal Walk will be held on 15 and the bids made by the agencies in Yorkshire are carefully June, and the year will be rounded o with the 2020 Great considered by the YLST committee prior to grants being Legal Bake, which will be held nationally on 25 November. awarded. Last June, almost 550 walkers took part in the 2019 Leeds In addition to the funding raised by the Great Legal Bake, Legal Walk, making the event the largest ever legal walk the legal walks and the Great Legal Quiz, the ATJF raises outside London. The walkers raised nearly £19,000, an funds from pro-bono costs orders and dormant client increase of more than 40% on the amount raised in 2018. accounts. The team of walkers that raised the highest amount on the Pro-bono costs orders are similar to ordinary awards of 2019 Leeds Legal Walk will be announced at the Leeds Law costs but can only be made where one party has free legal Society Annual Dinner on 12 March 2020 and presented with representation. If the party with free legal representation the vice chancellor’s Challenge Cup by Justice Snowden, wins, the person giving the free legal representation can vice chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster. Leeds seek a pro bono costs order from the losing party. The pro Law School and Leeds Beckett University were the principal bono costs order will cover any period when free legal sponsors of the 2019 Leeds Legal Walk and the YLST is representation is provided. The County Court, High Court, delighted that Leeds Law School has again very kindly Court of Appeal Civil Division and Supreme Court can all agreed to be the principal sponsor of the 2020 Leeds Legal award pro bono costs broadly where normal costs can be Walk. Leeds Law School will again be hosting the end-of- awarded, but the legislation requires pro-bono costs to be walk drinks at the Rose Bowl and live music will again be paid to the ATJF. provided at the Rose Bowl by Scott and the Antarctics, led by Unclaimed client account balances are funds that lie Judge Gosnell. dormant in law rms’ client accounts where either the By way of background, the YLST is the Yorkshire division of rightful owner cannot be traced, the rightful owner will not the Access to Justice Foundation (ATJF). The ATJF is a national provide instructions on how the funds should be dealt with, registered charity formed with the the aim of raising and or where funds returned to clients have not been cashed. distributing funds to support free legal advice for all and is Rules 20.1 and 20.2 of the Solicitors Accounts Rules permit the result of a collaboration between the Law Society, the Bar dormant balances of less than £500 to be paid to charity Council, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the without Solicitors Regulation Authority permission, provided voluntary sector, represented by the Advice Services Alliance. certain safeguards are met. The ATJF, which celebrated its 10th birthday in 2018, is also Further information about pro-bono costs orders and supported by the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice and the unclaimed client account balances can be obtained from the Attorney General’s O ce. ATJF website www.atjf.org.uk/pro-bono-costs-orders.html.
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 29 Events Yorkshire Legal Awards
Entries are open for the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2020
The 2020 awards will take place on 8 October 2020 at New Dock Hall in Leeds
Key dates for your diary
Entry deadline: 26 June 2020 Intellectual property law Awards ceremony: 08 October 2020
FAQs
• What is the dress-code? Black-tie and formal wear.
• What time do the awards begin? 7pm sharp, until late.
• What is the structure of the evening? The evening begins with a champagne reception. Dinner follows, with the awards ceremony and then entertainment to end the evening.
• Is there a set menu? Yes, across three courses. But individual dietary requirements are catered for. Let us know when you book your tickets / confi rm who will be attending.
• What if my question isn’t covered here? Meet the sponsors Get in touch with Simon Krawczynski via simon. The Yorkshire Legal Awards is the ideal event at which to [email protected]. meet key decision makers within the legal profession.
30 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Events Yorkshire Legal Awards
A reminder of 2019’s winners and recipients
• Law Firm of the Year: Small • Regulatory & Compliance Award • Intellectual Property Award Ridley & Hall DWF Walker Morris
• Law Firm of the Year: Medium • Residential Property Award • Private Client Award Ramsdens PM Property Lawyers Roche Legal
• Law Firm of the Year: Large • Commercial Property Award • Rising Star of the Year Eversheds Sutherland Walker Morris Sadie Simpson, Switalskis Solicitors
• Diversity & Inclusion Award • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Trainee Solicitor of the Year Thrive Law Award Annie Beaumont, Blacks Solicitors Stewarts • Niche Law Firm of the Year • Partner of the Year Torque Law • Debt Recovery Award Richard Obank, DLA Piper DWF • In-House Team of the Year • Managing Partner of the Year Drax Group • Family Law Award Tim Halstead, Shulmans Irwin Mitchell • Chambers of the Year • Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year Spire Barristers • Corporate & Commercial Award Kama Melly QC of Park Square Addleshaw Goddard Barristers • Employment Law Award Chadwick Lawrence • Criminal Law Award • Lifetime Achievement Award Park Square Barristers Mary Butler, Bell & Buxton • Banking & Finance Law Award Clarion
The Yorkshire Legal Awards brings together the region’s legal community to recognise and celebrate its many achievements. Launched in 2000 to recognise the outstanding talent across our region, this is a key date on the calendar and o ers professionals the chance to come together for a memorable evening of networking, socialising and celebrating. The award categories cover everyone from the biggest corporate rms to leading barristers, from senior partners to rising stars, and the event itself is a glittering black-tie a air, and always sells out—so early booking is recommended. The awards are judged by a prestigious independent Organisations panel made up of experts from across the Yorkshire legal Suitable for law rms, barristers chambers and in-house legal community. Representatives from the region’s leading departments societies, business groups and local public bodies lend their • Chambers of the Year expertise and experience to assess hundreds of written • Diversity and Inclusion Award and video entries, and decide who should be recognised • In-House Team of the Year as Yorkshire’s leading legal lights. The panel is reconstituted • Law Firm of the Year: Small every year to ensure variety in views and backgrounds, • Law Firm of the Year: Medium and is bound by con dentiality and con ict of interest • Law Firm of the Year: Large requirements to ensure its integrity and independence. • Niche Law Firm of the Year
2020 categories Individuals The Yorkshire Legal Awards is open to individuals and teams Suitable for individuals practising within Yorkshire, in private practice. in private practice and in-house, at law rms and companies In-house lawyers are eligible to enter all but Partner and Managing across the region Each category is designed to recognise the Partner of the Year outstanding achievements of the entrant. Of course, if there • In-House Lawyer of the Year is something you’d like to mention but isn’t covered in the • Managing Partner of the Year criteria, make sure that you include it anyway. The deadline • Partner of the Year for entries is 26 June 2020. • Rising Star of the Year
Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 32 Events Yorkshire Legal Awards
• Trainee Solicitor of the Year Choose the form of your entry: We accept written submissions • Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year of between 250 and 1,000 words per category. Written submissions are at their best after several drafts, with input from Practice areas everyone involved. Remember that your entry needs to stand out Suitable for individuals and teams from the crowd, so keep it active, free of jargon, and don’t forget • Banking & Finance Law to proof your words before entering. Alternatively, you can enter • Commercial Property a video submission. You’ll have a maximum of three minutes to • Corporate & Commercial demonstrate why you, your team or business should win the • Criminal Law particular category. Videos are easy to digest and revisit, and they • Debt Recovery allow the judges to put a face to an entry. • Employment Law • Family Law Submit your nomination online via the entry form: Entries • Intellectual Property can only be accepted via the entry form. Fill out all of the required • Litigation & Dispute Resolution information, and make sure you choose the correct category • Private Client from the list. The form must be lled out and submitted for every • Regulatory & Compliance category. The form removes all formatting, so don’t worry about • Residential Property italics, bolding, underlining or hyperlinking, as these won’t make it through our system. Furthermore, no supporting documents and Judging attachments are allowed, so don’t use the attach buttons for CVs, The awards are judged by a prestigious independent panel promo videos, PDFs and Word docs—these won’t make it through made up of experts from across the Yorkshire legal community. our system, either. Client testimonials must be collated by you Representatives from the region’s leading societies, business and included within your written submission (and are included in groups and local public bodies lend their expertise and the word count). Anything sent separately will not be accepted. experience to assess hundreds of written and video entries, For video entries, ll out the entry form as normal, mention that and decide who should be recognised as Yorkshire’s you are submitting a video, and submit the video le via www. leading legal lights. The panel is reconstituted every year to wetransfer.com to [email protected]. ensure variety in views and backgrounds, and is bound by con dentiality and con ict of interest requirements to ensure Attach your logo: If you make it to the shortlist, we’ll need a high its integrity and independence. The full judging panel will be resolution version of your logo for the ceremony, programme and con rmed soon. associated marketing campaigns. We accept the .JPEG, .PNG and .PDF formats, but prefer .EPS wherever possible. If you don’t have How to enter this, don’t worry. Entering the Yorkshire Legal Awards is easy and free. Follow these simple steps and you’ll produce a submission that Attach nominee’s photo: This is for the individual awards. Colour our independent panel of judges will nd clear, concise and photos are preferred, and high resolution .JPEG is best. memorable Sit back and wait for news: That’s it, you’re done! Approximately Pick your categories: There are lots of categories to choose two weeks following the entry deadline, our judging panel will from. Read the criteria carefully for each and decide which will convene to make their nal decisions. We’ll then get in touch with give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths. every entrant to give them the good news.
32 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer Events Yorkshire Legal Awards Yorkshire Financial awards2020
SAVE THE DATE 27.02.2020
Nominations and bookings: Oliver Gentry Sponsorship opportunities: Hadiya O’Regan T: 01423 851150 E: [email protected] T: 01423 851150 E: [email protected]
® Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer | Issue 162 33 Last Word Ethics and ethos Solicitor Georgina Parkin is the recently appointed managing director of Truth Legal, as well as president of Harrogate and District Law Society
Why did you decide on law as a career? and diversifying the affordable services and The age old cliché of wanting to help people and to have expertise we are able interesting work. That and the desire to not become an to offer our clients. We accountant, which is the chosen profession of the majority of my have recently opened an family. immigration department and I am keen to work Why did you choose to work for Truth Legal while towards expanding our specialising in personal injury law? growth into other areas. I will be focusing on Truth Legal’s ethics and ethos are what really drew me to the ensuring the smooth firm. We give away a lot of free advice and there is a large pro- running of the office on a bono element to the work carried out in many departments in day-to-day basis to keep the firm. all our employees and I have worked in personal injury litigation since leaving law consultants happy. I am school in 2010. It is an area that has a notoriously bad reputation also Truth Legal’s COFA so and there have been many occasions in my career when I have I will have responsibility told someone what I do and they have asked me if I am an for our financial and ‘ambulance chaser’. However, I am a firm believer that personal administrative affairs (the injury and clinical negligence litigation is ethical. If someone accountants in my family has been badly injured, has life changing injuries and they are are very proud). due to an accident that could easily have been prevented, it is 2020 will be a Helping you to protect your professional reputation scandalous to believe that they shouldn’t be compensated. I particularly busy year for have yet to have a client say to me that the compensation was me as in addition to my worth it for what they have had to go through. new role as managing When it comes to arranging your Professional Indemnity Insurance, we bring you director, I have recently independence, experience, in-depth knowledge of the legal profession and in- What are the demands on lawyers in these areas of law? Is been appointed access to justice getting better or worse in Yorkshire? president of Harrogate house claims support. and District Law Society. The fixed fee regime for low-value personal injury claims has meant that personal injury work has on the whole become Given your career trajectory, what advice do you have Finding the right policy for your practice is not as simple as finding the cheapest less profitable, but clients quite rightly still expect a high level of for school leavers considering a career in law? Would you service. recommend your own route? cover or the largest insurer. We offer full market coverage rather than a selected Access to justice across Yorkshire and in fact across the country panel of insurers, and combine technical knowledge gained in the London has been restricted over the past 10 years. Court fees have Don’t be defeated by rejection. It is a competitive profession and increased. There have been vast numbers of court closures. you will suffer knockbacks. Market with local, personal service. It takes longer for cases to be progressed through the courts. Whilst grades are important, when I am interviewing solicitors I cannot see this improving as the current government is who want to join us, one of my key considerations is how that essentially promising us more of the same and worse. I think as solicitor is going to interact with clients. This is not a skill taught solicitors we have to be transparent with our clients as to how at law schools or universities but is incredibly important when 01943 876631 these matters outside of our control may cause delay to their it comes to client care and ensuring that clients receive a good cases. level of service. For more information or to arrange a [email protected] I am also concerned about the impact of Brexit reducing My own route into the profession started off as standard: access to justice for many of our clients who are not UK nationals. university, law school, paralegal, trainee solicitor. Since I qualified quote for your next renewal, contact www.jmginsurance.co.uk/solicitorspi in April 2015, my career path has been less traditional. I was Jake Fox Congratulations on your appointment as a managing appointed a director of Truth Legal in September 2016 and director of Truth Legal—what do you hope to achieve in this managing director in October 2019. I would not have had these position? opportunities in a larger firm and for me this has been why it has been great both personally and professionally to have worked On a strategic level, I will be continuing to work with the other for the last six-and-a-half years in a progressive firm that is steadily directors to support the continued growth of Truth Legal growing in numbers and reputation. J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited is an appointed representative of J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered in England & Wales at Elmwood House, Ghyll Royd, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9LT. 34 Issue 162 | Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited. Registered No 9828000. Helping you to protect your professional reputation
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J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited is an appointed representative of J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered in England & Wales at Elmwood House, Ghyll Royd, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9LT. J.M. Glendinning (Insurance Brokers) Professional Risks Limited. Registered No 9828000. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do.
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