Leeds Law Firm Welcomes Dominic Matteo as Sports Law Ambassador

October 22nd, 2012

Levis solicitors Sports lawLeeds city law firm Levi Solicitors LLP has made a dual announcement; the launch of its Sports Law Department, together with the signing of former Leeds United captain Dominic Matteo as its Sports Law Ambassador.

The firm are creating a specialist Sports Law department, building on its key strengths of technical excellence and outstanding client service, together with a network of commercial partners to offer those in the sports industry the complete professional service.

It is in recognition of the firm’s vision and ethos that  Dominic Matteo has agreed to sign up with the firm. Dominic’s career spanned fifteen years at the highest level of English Football. After eight years with Liverpool, Dominic joined Leeds United in 2000 where he soon attained hero status, scoring one of the club’s most memorable goals against A.C. Milan at the San Siro during their wonderful run in the UEFA Champions League that year.

Dominic left Leeds United in 2004, and after spells at Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City (both as captain) retired from playing in 2007. Dominic has retained strong links with the city of Leeds and the club itself, writing a weekly column for the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Dominic stated,  “I am delighted to sign with Levi Solicitors and to be a part of their new Sports Law Department.

I learned very early in my career that getting the right professional advice from the right people is crucial to sustain personal success, and it’s Levis understanding of this importance that persuaded me to get on board.

I have been particularly impressed with the set-up of the firm and the quality of lawyers they have to offer and hope that I can help drive this new venture to real success for the firm and clients alike.”
Levi Solicitors Sports Law Team
Levi Solicitor’s Managing Partner Steven Newdall stated, “The firm prides itself on achieving outstanding results for clients in a competitive and challenging environment, and we are delighted to be able to offer this to those involved in both professional and amateur sport. Dominic’s insight into the support required by professional sports people, both during and after their careers, makes him an invaluable addition to the team.

We are delighted that Dominic has agreed to work closely with us. His honesty and integrity is clearly and rightly held in high esteem and his knowledge and experiences on and off the pitch during his illustrious career have helped us tailor our offering to the needs of those involved in sport and sporting organisations throughout the UK. His agreement to sign with us is testament to the talent and work ethic of our team and we are thrilled, excited and privileged to be working with him.”

For further information about the services offered by Levi Solicitors, please visit www.levisolicitors.co.uk

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Leeds Law Firm Wins International IT Competition for Innovation

October 10th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsLeeds law firm Clarion has been chosen from over 250 entrants as the winner of an international competition staged by VMware EMEA, a global leader in virtualization and cloud infrastructure, which challenged businesses to use innovative technology to drive business transformation.

Clarion was announced as the winner of the Thinking Big For Your Business competition at the VMworld Europe 2012 conference in Barcelona today (9 October) and awarded the prize of $20,000 worth of software and services from VMware.

The competition asked how small and medium sized businesses based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa would reinvigorate their business with $20,000 worth of VMware software – challenging entrants to go beyond cost cutting and be forward-thinking in their approaches to IT, to ultimately deliver a transformational effect to their businesses. Clarion impressed the judging panel with its ambition to become the first law firm to use VMware’s ‘Project Octopus’ as a virtual data room.

“The entry from Clarion perfectly captured the essence of the competition, which was to ‘think big’ in terms of driving business transformation through the use of innovative technology,” says one of the judges, VMware’s John Churchhouse, SMB Director in EMEA. “It was particularly exciting to consider the impact the prize could have within an industry where confidentiality and security of data are so vital to everyday operations. We’re excited to work with Clarion to deliver innovation and improved business value in a sector where there is no margin for error.”

Duncan James, Infrastructure Manager at Clarion, said: “We’re over the moon with the result. It’s our ambition to use VMware’s software to enable our team to have a single integrated way of accessing and managing all their apps and desktops, as well as the secure sharing of data, wherever and whenever they happen to be working.  This will allow us to deliver an even better level of service and aligns with Clarion’s business objective to change the world’s view of lawyers, one client at a time.”

For further information about the services provided by Clarion, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com.

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Leeds Law Firm Shortlisted for Two National Awards

October 8th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsYorkshire-based Clarion has beaten hundreds of other law firms across the country to reach the shortlist for two prestigious national awards.

Clarion is the only firm in the region to have been selected as one of the six finalists in the British Legal Awards 2012 in the Regional Law Firm of the Year category – the winner will be chosen on 22 November at a ceremony in London.  In addition, the firm’s insolvency team is one of only two finalists chosen in the Insolvency and Rescue Awards in the Insolvency Law Firm of the Year (under 11 partners) category; the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 10 October.

Clarion Managing Partner, Mark Burns

Mark Burns, managing partner, said: “Clarion has come a long way over the last five years and it’s fantastic for the talent and commitment of the team to receive national recognition, demonstrating that we are not only raising the bar for legal excellence and client care in Yorkshire, but also far beyond.

“2012 has marked another key milestone in the firm’s ambitious plans with our move to large, new offices and the continuing expansion of our team.  We have a clear vision for the future and will be building on our success.”

Over the last 12 months, Clarion has recruited 33 new members of staff and now has 18 partners. For further information, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com

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Five Clarion Trainees Qualify

September 13th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsFive trainee solicitors at Leeds law firm Clarion have been given permanent positions with the firm following their qualification.

Victoria Clark, Katherine Morris, Maxine Burton, Emily Atkinson and Cheryl Grace successfully completed their two year training contract with Clarion during which time they gained experience in at least four departments.

Victoria, now part of Clarion’s employment team, graduated with LLB Honours (Solicitors LPC Exempting) Degree from Northumbria University before joining Clarion in 2010.  Katherine, now in dispute resolution, joined the firm after studying at the College of Law York and working as a paralegal.  Maxine is working in the corporate team having read law at the University of Leeds and completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law York.  Emily has become part of the corporate recovery team, having read law at the University of Leeds and attended the College of Law London before joining Clarion as a paralegal.  Finally, Cheryl has joined the family practice having gained a Solicitors’ Exempting Degree from the University of Northumbria before working as a paralegal for three years.

“Having moved to large new offices this summer, the firm is continuing its ambitious growth programme with over 30 appointments last year and many more to come,” said managing partner, Mark Burns.  “It is vital that we carry on attracting the best young talent and investing in their development, not only for our future success, but also for that of the Yorkshire legal community.”

Clarion now has a 100-strong team, including 18 partners, based at its Elizabeth House offices on Queen Street.

Clarion offers a range of specialist service areas including corporate; commercial, intellectual property; corporate recovery and insolvency; property; dispute resolution and litigation; employment; fraud, crime and regulatory; debt recovery and costs and litigation funding; private client;  and family.  To find out more, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com

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New associate joins Clarion’s dispute resolution team

September 6th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsDominic Blakeley has joined Leeds law firm Clarion as an associate in its growing dispute resolution practice.

With over four years’ post-qualification experience, Dominic trained with Wake Smith LLP before spending nearly five years with Squire Sanders LLP.  He has extensive experience of both pursuing and defending complex and high value multi-jurisdictional claims on behalf of high net worth individuals and companies.  His practice is concentrated on the resolution of contractual disputes, particularly in the printing, food and drink manufacture and energy supply sectors, as well as professional negligence cases and property claims.

“Dominic is a great fit with the team.  As well as solid technical knowledge, he has strong commercial acumen and has proved able to provide robust advice to clients aimed at resolving contentious issues as quickly and cost effectively as possible,” comments Simon Young who leads Clarion’s dispute resolution team.  “Dominic is a welcome addition, helping us to continue to grow the practice.”

Dominic comments: “I have been thoroughly impressed with Clarion’s clear vision of where it is and where it wants to be in the legal marketplace.  The firm is achieving rapid growth across the board, it has built up an impressive client list to rival that of any national firm and it has a reputation for being responsive to clients and consistently providing a high quality service.  In particular, I am relishing the prospect of working with Clarion’s experienced commercial litigation team on a number of the complex and high value disputes with which it is currently dealing.”

For further information about the services offered by Clarion, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com or call 0113 246 0622

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Leeds Law firm welcomes Hannah Bates as Head of Family Law

August 20th, 2012

Levis solicitors leeds family lawLeeds Law firm Levi Solicitors LLP welcomes Hannah Bates as Head of Family Law.  Hannah joined the firm in August and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in respect of family law issues with a particular emphasis on divorce and financial issues.

Hannah frequently represents high net worth individuals where cases involve trusts, inherited wealth, private and public pension schemes and business related assets. Hannah provides advice regarding cohabitation agreements, pre and post nuptial agreements to couples who wish to protect their assets before embarking upon a marriage or cohabitation, ensuring that they have all of the information required to make appropriate decisions.  Hannah also advises parents, grandparents and other relatives in relation to the arrangements for children (contact and residence) and removal from the jurisdiction.

Hannah Bates joins Levi Solicitors as Head of Family Law

As a Collaborative Lawyer and Family Mediator Hannah is able to offer her clients alternative ways of resolving disputes following a marriage or relationship breakdown, focussing on achieving an outcome that is okay for everyone, particularly and children involved. Hannah is committed to avoiding the need to go to court unless it is absolutely necessary but has significant experience of litigating matters through the courts if required.

In her very limited spare time Hannah is a trustee of Haworth Cat Rescue and is currently involved in the setting up of their first charity shop in Keighley.

For further information about the services offered by Levi Solicitors, please visit www.levisolicitors.co.uk or call 0113 244 9931

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On your bike: What a week for British Cycling

July 27th, 2012

Last Cawthra Feather - Cycling accident solicitorsThis week couldn’t have got off to a better start for British cycling, firstly the amazing achievement of Bradley Wiggin’s in the Tour de France and then the announcement that Sir Chris Hoy will be the Team GB flag bearer at the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony taking place in London this Friday.

Cycling has been a topic which has also caused much debate over the last few months and has even been high of the agenda at Westminster following the campaign launched by The Times newspaper ‘Cities fit for cycling’ to improve road safety for cyclists.

With fuel costs constantly rising, the increased awareness of healthy living and the Tour de France and imminent Olympics due to start more and more people will be inspired to switch to pedal power to get to and from work and the shops, as great as this is, it does unfortunately also bring with it many problems.

According to facts and figures publish by the Royal Society for the prevention of accidents (ROSPA) every year in this country around 17,000 cyclists are injured in road accidents, including around 2,500 who are killed or seriously injured, and these figures only take into account the accidents which are reported to the police. So the true figure is probably a lot higher.

The Times campaign which was launched earlier in the year has an 8-point manifesto that will hopefully help lower statistics like these including making it law for lorries entering a city centre to fit sensors, audible turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under the wheels, dangerous road junctions identified, redesigned or fitted with priority traffic lights for cyclists and developing better cycling routes.

Yorkshire law firm, Last Cawthra Feather is a proud supporter of The Times campaign.  Paul Morris, who is not only a solicitor at the firm but has been a keen competitive and leisure cyclist for over 25 years comments “It has been an amazing week for British cycling and I really hope it has inspired lots of people across the country to get on their bikes and get out and about especially in this lovely weather, however people do need to take great care especially when taking busy commuter routes”.

Solicitor Paul Morris works with clients in handling the consequences of cycling accidents caused by drivers of vehicles who just ‘did not look’

Paul has over thirty years legal experience in personal injury claims and as a keen cyclist himself has first hand experience of the pitfalls and hazards of cycling in 2012 both on the road and off road.

Paul works with clients in handling the consequences of cycling accidents caused by drivers of vehicles who just ‘did not look’ on a daily basis.  Since the Times launched its campaign Paul has seen an increase in the number of cycling accidents and has had 6 new cycling claims come in over the last couple of months.

“The injuries sustained can truly be life altering, what is needed is a road system that takes into account the safety of cyclists, while road users need to have a higher awareness of the presence and vulnerability of cyclists on the road and also of the speed at which they can travel”  observes Paul.

“If accidents do occur which result in injury and damage it is necessary to have the resulting claim for compensation handled by someone who understands all the issues whilst being a specialist in major trauma injuries”

If the unfortunate does happen we would suggest you give Paul a call. There is no charge for the initial advice and if there is a case to be pursued you will keep 100% of the compensation.

For further information or if you need free expert advice on making a cycling accident compensation claim contact Paul Morris on 01274 848826 or email pmorris@lcf.co.uk

Last Cawthra Feather LLP (LCF) a leading and an award winning law firm. The firm has offices throughout Yorkshire.  It has 11 partners and 115 employees. Visit www.lcf.co.uk for more information.

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Clarion expands its debt recovery team

July 17th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsLeeds law firm Clarion has appointed Dale Fawcett as debt recovery executive in its growing commercial debt recovery team.

Dale has over five year’s experience having worked as a litigation assistant at LCL Law which was later acquired by Drydens Solicitors (now Drydensfairfax) with whom he subsequently took on the role of collections officer working with a wide range of clients including, local authorities, consultants and property management companies.

“With an in depth understanding of debt recovery procedures, Dale will be a real asset to the team,” comments Andrew Howard who leads the debt recovery team at Clarion.  “As well as complementing our existing skills, Dale will bring a fresh perspective to improving processes and helping us to further develop the business.

“Having established a reputation over the last two years as one of the few firms that focus solely on business to business debt and recovered £15m on behalf of our clients as a result, we are growing our team in response to continuing demand for our specialist services.”

(L to R): Daniel Carlton, Dale Fawcett and Andrew Howard of Clarion’s debt recovery team.

Clarion’s debt recovery team offers a comprehensive service, recovering secured and unsecured debt, guarantee and indemnity claims, book debt collections, rent arrears and service charges. The specialist team acts for commercial and consumer organisations, as well as local authorities, throughout the UK.

For further information about debt recovery services from Clarion, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com or call 0113 246 0622.

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Clarion Lawyers Pass Latest STEP Exams

July 11th, 2012

Clarion Solicitors LeedsTwo solicitors from Clarion’s private client team have passed the latest stage of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) exams as part of achieving the prestigious internationally-recognised qualification.

Senior associate Clare King has completed her final exam, achieving a diploma to become a fully accredited Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP), and associate Stephanie Dunderdale has completed two of the four exams required for the STEP diploma in Trusts & Estates.  The exams relate to all elements of trust administration, both practical and theoretical, and involved six months of independent study and revision for each exam.

“The study and exams involved are extremely challenging and it has been a long haul to become fully accredited,” explains Clare.  “However, it has been worth it to gain formal recognition of my expertise in this specialist field, giving clients the reassurance that they are working with a STEP qualified lawyer who has completed rigorous and detailed training in the area of private client law.”

Having recently moved to new offices in Elizabeth House on Queen Street, Clarion will also be hosting monthly lectures for STEP Yorkshire branch, this year’s lecture programme runs from September 2012 until June 2013.  The lectures are usually attended by more than 50 members, but are also open to attendance by non-members, student members and other professional disciplines such as accountants, IFAs, family lawyers, charities and tax advisers.

Sharon Pallagi, senior associate within the team, states: “STEP is a worldwide organisation with over 300 professionals within STEP Yorkshire.  As well as being a full member, I am also on the committee for the Yorkshire branch and delighted that we are able to host STEP’s next lecture programme.  Other members of the Clarion private client team are currently studying to become full members as we recognise the importance of professional development and the accreditation that STEP provides.”

Clarion’s growing private client team currently comprises eight dedicated lawyers who specialise in providing legal advice for clients and their families, including wills and probate matters, tax planning and wealth solutions as well as contentious probate and trusts.

For further information, please visit www.clarionsolicitors.com or call 0113 246 0622

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Successful Criminal Practice Announces Growth Plans and Re-brand

July 9th, 2012

ABR SolicitorsClarion Advocates, the fraud crime and regulatory practice with offices in Leeds and Liverpool, has re-branded as ABR Solicitors and announced ambitious plans to open offices nationwide, initially focusing on the North.

The practice has announced the acquisition of two new offices in Harrogate and Huddersfield.

Clarion Advocates was formed in 2010 as a separate division of Leeds-based law firm Clarion with the aim of building on the success as one of the leading criminal practices in the north by opening a second office in Liverpool.

Led by Rob Rode, who headed Clarion Advocates and was responsible for establishing Clarion’s successful Yorkshire based criminal practice, the expanded practice has a total of 18 criminal lawyers across its four offices.  ABR Solicitors offers a full range of fraud crime and regulatory services, defending prosecutions and investigations of all kinds at any stage, and also advising businesses about regulatory compliance to avoid prosecutions.

Managing partner of Clarion, Mark Burns, said: “The opening of our Liverpool office two years ago marked the first part of our strategy to build on our criminal law expertise by establishing a network of  offices throughout the country.  Following the continuing success of the Leeds and Liverpool criminal practices, we have now been able to expand with the acquisition of these additional offices.  The change of name, recruitment of Andrew Duncan as managing director and the opening of these offices is the next stage of the development of the business.”

Senior partner of ABR Solicitors, Rob Rode added: “We believe that we are very good at what we do – we are ranked in the top four practices nationwide, handling numerous high profile and complex cases all over the country and have established a strong reputation with regular acknowledgements in independent legal guides.

“We have been described as ‘a very ambitious firm.’ We are. We are committed to working with the Legal Services Commission, in a digitalised court process, to provide high quality, representation wherever we open.”

For further information please visit www.abrsolicitors.com

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