LCF Law > Bradford, England > Firm Profile
LCF Law Offices
ONE ST JAMES BUSINESS PARK
BRADFORD
BD1 5LL
England
LCF Law > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 2
LCF Law‘s debt recovery team is instructed by local SME’s as well as PLCs throughout the UK, accountants and insolvency practitioners. Beyond collecting debts, the group also assists with rehabilitation and advises on credit policies, credit assessments and internal credit control processes. Charles Abraham leads the team, in which Andrew Langton also stands out.Practice head(s):
Charles Abraham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The level of knowledge and expertise is excellent with a clear focus on customer service.’
‘LCF have quickly picked up an understanding of our business and the business needs. LCF quickly draw down on the detail and deliver what we need; commercial solutions to what can be some very complex challenges. They never lose sight of the target and as result LCF have delivered some unbelievable results.’
‘Always very helpful and on hand to speak to directly if we need some advice.’
‘LCF have the ability to embrace the requirements of maintaining our customer service ethos right through to high-end litigation. The Team is highly capable and have the scalability that we require as our business grows. They offer solutions to complex situations in laymen terms to offer the best solution.’
‘I have worked with Andrew Langton for a number of years now and I have always found his practical and commercial approach perfect for my requirements. He has achieved some excellent results where other third parties have failed.’
‘Andrew Langton goes above and beyond in terms of service delivery, always available and looks for solutions in every situation. Very practical and pragmatic in his approach.’
Work highlights
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2
The ‘unflappable’ Ragan Montgomery heads the Bradford-based team at LCF Law. The team acts on a wide spectrum of matters, including trusts disputes, complex issues of capacity, gifts in wills, Inheritance Act cases, removal of executor claims and Court of Protection matters. Montgomery is able to draw on her experience as an accredited mediator in contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Ragan Montgomery
Testimonials
‘LCF is a strong regional practice with excellent personal service, timely actions and it’s cost-effective.’
‘Led by Ragan Montgomery, the LCF team specialising in contentious trusts and probate is very impressive indeed – fighting the corner of its clients whilst giving shrewd and pragmatic advice.’
‘Ragan Montgomery is a very experienced and unflappable partner – nothing fazes her. She’s brilliant with clients.’
‘A small team but does good work locally and is easy to deal with- no ‘point scoring’ even when faced with opposing views. Ragan Montgomery is really lovely to deal with, a good brain, practical and sees the commerciality in reaching a conclusion.’
‘Ragan Montgomery is strong and rolls her sleeves up to get the job done. Works hard and sees the wood from the trees.’
‘Ragan Montgomery is great to work with – knowledgeable and approachable. She knows which points to take and which to leave.’
‘The firm are collegiate and really do work together across practice areas and seniority.’
‘The individuals at the firm are friendly, approachable and put clients at ease.’
Work highlights
Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 3
The ‘practical and solution-focused’ family team at LCF Law is headed by the ‘excellent’ Rachel Spencer Robb. The team advises on high-value matrimonial financial disputes; advising owner managed businesses and individuals on the implications of divorce or separation. In addition, it handles complex custodial children’s matters in relation. Harjit Rait is another key member of the team; experienced practitioner Rachel Baul recently joined the team frm Jones Myers LLP.Practice head(s):
Rachel Spencer Robb
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘At all times they were extremely professional, well organised and efficient.’
‘With LCF Law, I really felt I was in safe hands and that I was getting the best legal help at all stages in my divorce. They were also very understanding and sensitive with regards to my legal needs and personal needs.’
‘Anyone I spoke to at the firm was very professional. From the solicitors to their assistants, to people in the billing department, to receptionists. I needed a solicitor that understood my family dynamics, and that’s what I got.’
‘I would advise LCF to my friends and family, or to anyone who wants a professional legal firm that tailors their legal service to you as an individual.’
‘Harjit Rait was my legal representative for my divorce and she is a genuine and lovely lady, who cared about my health and mental well-being, obviously she is also a very professional and excellent legal representative.’
‘Practical and solution-focused. Very experienced team and good to deal with’
‘Have been on the other side of Rachel Spencer Robb on several occasions. She battles hard for her client, always with an eye to finding solutions. She is always open to proposals and is firm but fair.’
‘Rachel Spencer Robb has recently been joined by Rachel Baul. Both are excellent lawyers who are pragmatic and commercially aware.’
Work highlights
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3
The private client team at LCF Law is headed by Neil Shaw. It specialises in providing advice regarding the incorporation and organisation of trusts, to high-net-worth clients. Shaw is based in Bradford, and is a longstanding member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. The firm's work regularly includes Court of Protection matters; Ann Christian is another key name in the team.Practice head(s):
Neil Shaw
Other key lawyers:
Ann Christian; Amjed Zaman
Testimonials
‘LCF Law has many senior staff and partners who have been there for a long time – it is obvious when working with them that they know each other very well and are happy to bring in other team members with specialisms as required.’
‘As a client I have found LCF Law approachable and efficient.’
‘Good team. The individuals have a good knowledge of will trust and probate law.’
‘Neil Shaw is an excellent lawyer with great knowledge of private client law and very good with clients.’
Work highlights
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 3
LCF Law‘s professional negligence team specialises in claims against solicitors and accountants. It is notably strong in the property and financial services sectors, with practice head Charles Abraham noted for his expertise in financial services, while Bradford-based Ragan Montgomery has experience acting against surveyors.Practice head(s):
Charles Abraham; Ragan Montgomery
Work highlights
- Advised a high profile lawyer in a successful professional negligence claim against their former financial advisor.
- Advised a director in a professional negligence claim against their former accountants arising from an HMRC investigation.
- Defended a financial services firm against allegations of professional negligence arising from the collapse of a business property relief investment.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 4
LCF Law offers 'succinct legal advice coupled with commercial awareness.' The group is active for SMEs, owner managers and family businesses but also for healthcare sector clients such as pharmacies, dental practices, nursing and care homes, and GP practices. It often advises on sales to private equity and larger corporate acquirers, Employee Ownership Trusts and corporate restructuring. Susan Clark is the team head and main contact. Cathy Cook is 'brilliant at delivering the desired outcome.'Practice head(s):
Susan Clark
Other key lawyers:
Cathy Cook; James Sarjantson; Brad Stewart
Testimonials
‘Great practical lawyers who really understand their clients’ businesses.’
‘Susan Clark – fantastic adviser who knows her clients’ history and guides them through tricky negotiations brilliantly. Absolutely holds her own against lawyers in much bigger firms. There’s nothing she hasn’t seen in her practice and she can cut through to the important commercial points. Delightful to work with.’
‘Cathy Cook – superb communicator and brilliant at delivering the desired outcome. A really dedicated adviser who is also a fantastic person!’
‘LCF have a friendly, hands-on, commercial approach to corporation transactions and legal advice.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable, and always willing to research issues without committing to something they don’t understand. They appear to understand their client and accommodate specific requirements.’
‘Succinct legal advice coupled with commercial awareness.’
‘James Sarjantson – always accessible and always provides a candid approach to the problem at hand.’
‘The LCF corporate and commercial team is alway responsive and offers great advice. The level of communication is exceptional with rapid responses going above and beyond. I have even had a partner take a call from me whilst they were on vacation to ensure the momentum was maintained on an acquisition project.’
Key clients
The shareholders of Consolidated Timber Holdings Group Limited
Davison Fencing Holdings Limited
Kershaw & Kershaw Limited
The shareholders of Apptopay Limtied
Yorkshire Building Services Limited
Vacform Group
The Red Consultancy Ltd
Inprotec Ltd
Fox Agency
Airzones LLc
Salvation Army
Work highlights
- Advised the shareholders of Consolidated Timber Holdings Limited to Rubicon, a private equity buyer.
- Advised Davison Fencing Limited on the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and the associated sale of 100% of the issued share capital of the Company to the EOT .
- Advised the shareholders of ApptoPay Limited on the conditional sale subject to FCA approval to the Secure Trust Bank Plc such transaction to complete on receipt of change of control consent.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
Besides corporations, the team at LCF Law regularly represents utilities sector clients as well as professional individuals in their contentious mandates. Team leader Charles Abraham ‘combines excellent technical skills with an ability to see the bigger picture and advance his client’s case accordingly‘; he handles litigation, mediation and arbitration proceedings. Newly promoted partner Roger Raper takes on breach of contract claims, civil fraud claims, shareholder disputes and trading relationships, and Wayne Parker joined the firm in April 2021 from Gordons LLP.Practice head(s):
Charles Abraham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A cohesive and highly effective team. First class litigators.’
‘Charles Abraham combines excellent technical skills with an ability to see the bigger picture and advance his client’s case accordingly. Excellent at bringing out the best in the teams he is working with.’
‘The commercial litigation team at LCF provide a clear and focused analysis of the problem, cutting through apparent complications to produce a range of practical solutions. Priority is given to solutions that are cost conscientious and expedient from a business perspective.’
‘The stand out quality of the individuals we worked with was the desire to find simple solutions to problems that others are trying to make unnecessarily complex.’
‘The firm is thoroughly professional in its approach to its work.’
‘Roger Raper has a “can do” attitude.’
‘Charles Abraham has a wealth of experience and is (rightly) supremely confident.’
‘Roger Raper is responsive and diligent.’
Key clients
BHP LLP
The Salvation Army
Awesome Merchandise Ltd
MKM Building Supplies Ltd
Mabey Hire Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising a utility company on commercial and regulatory issues arising from a multi-million-pound dispute concerning a white labelling agreement for the supply of electricity.
- Defending two high-net-worth individuals in a multimillion-pound claim for deceit and fraudulent misrepresentation arising from the sale of a business to a private equity company.
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
LCF Law provides ‘excellent and justified advice in a timely fashion’ on a range of mandates, from commercial leases and portfolio management to developments and property finance transactions. Practice leader Paul Anderson acts for clients across the retail, agricultural and healthcare and the charity sectors. Ann-Marie Casey, who advises The Salvation Army on its property portfolio, and Steven Silver are key members of the team.Practice head(s):
Paul Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm and team members are extremely contactable and responsive. I have always received excellent and justified advice in a timely fashion.’
Key clients
Salvation Army Trustee Company
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Noted for its expertise in urgent possession claims in the High Court and County Court, LCF Law also handles forfeiture and breach of leasehold, and freehold covenant matters. Practice leader Ragan Montgomery focuses on the property elements of contentious trust and probate disputes, while Tom Edwards ‘has the knack of simplifying complex problems and managing them clearly and efficiently.’Practice head(s):
Ragan Montgomery
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The property litigation team at LCF is hugely experienced and highly successful, very committed to their clients and extremely knowledgeable.’
‘Tom Edwards is an outstanding lawyer, very hardworking and tactically astute.’
‘Excellent knowledge and approach to difficult and complex matters.’
‘Ragan Montgomery is a safe pair of hands and is able to approach complex matters at ease but with a professional manner, whilst displaying the confidence to deal with a matter.’
‘My main contact is with Tom Edwards. A hugely knowledgeable property litigator who would be my ‘go-to’ contact if I had a property dispute. He has the knack of simplifying complex problems and managing them clearly and efficiently, always with a considered plan in mind.’
‘The team are focused on working with you as a client to get matters completed. They are very knowledgeable and work with you to get the best outcome.’
Key clients
Salvation Army Trustee Company
Work highlights
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 5
LCF Law predominantly advises employers at SMEs and senior executive employees. The group has particular expertise in advising on restrictive covenants and team moves as well as employment related GDPR documentation. Senior associate James Austin is ‘fantastic’ and conducts his own advocacy in the employment tribunal, as does senior associate Gemma Sherbourne, who specialises in the manufacturing, education and not-for-profit sectors. Former practice head Liz Henry has moved into a consultant role.Practice head(s):
Susan Clark
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘James Austin was fantastic. He was very well informed, experienced and dealt with me with great empathy at a difficult and stressful time. His support and advice was invaluable.’
‘Gemma Sherbourne mixes approachability with a an ability to “nail it” every time.’
‘This form is unique as it is very client focused and provides an individualised service.’
‘The team in Leeds are the best legal firm I have worked with, they have spent time to get to know our industry.’
‘They are able to give proactive and reactive advice that is in line with our culture and therefore it is always a great solution for us.’
‘Their turnaround time is second to non and if I need something urgent they will always deliver.’
‘A well known and reputable firm with excellent service – it makes them a no-brainer “go to”.’
Key clients
Conniston Care Limited
Lansinoh Laboratories Limited
Econ Engineering Limited
Haztec International Limited
Energy Shield Protection Ltd
Work highlights
- Advise a care home provider with multiple homes in relation to the new regulatory requirements for all care home staff to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of 11 November 2021.
- Advising a US company on UK law and providing necessary documentation to ensure compliance with UK employment legislation following the successful opening of their first UK retail store.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 5
Led by James Sarjantson, LCF Law’s commercial IP practice acts for owner-managed and technology led-businesses, as well as companies involved in software development and distribution, on the filing of trade marks, contractual agreements and copyright issues. The ‘highly competent and trustworthy’ team counts The Red Consultancy, The British Association of Day Surgery and Airzones LLC among its key list of clients.Practice head(s):
James Sarjantson
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Taylor
Testimonials
‘The team at LCF are highly competent and trustworthy to deliver the work required.’
‘I personally worked with James Sarjantson and continually find him to be extremely competent and knowledgable, but also very accommodating of our needs and a really great guy to be working with.’
‘They listen and make excellent suggestions.’
Key clients
The Red Consultancy
The British Association of Day Surgery
Graham Martin/Orchard Recruitment
Vivo Tea Limited
Dean and Wood Limited
Sep2 Limited
Airzones LLC
Work highlights
- Advised The Red Consultancy Ltd on various contracts relating to the minting of, and sale of, non-fungible tokens (NFT’s).
- Advising the British Association of Day Surgery (BADS) on copyright and IP matters in respect of contributions to their publications, association journal and website by those in the medical profession.
- Advising Airzones LLC on trade marking and branding, and IPR ownership issues in joint development agreements with third party manufacturers.
Real estate > Planning
LCF Law > Firm Profile
LCF Law has four offices in Yorkshire in Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley and acts for clients based throughout England and Wales. The core areas of legal practice are corporate, property, disputes and personal law.
Created in 1988, the firm became an LLP in 2004 and incorporated as LCF Law Limited, an ABS, in April 2015.
The firm: Clients range from large corporations to SMEs, medium-sized businesses and private individuals. The firm’s values are to be just, equitable, honest, open, straight-talking, great value, modern and innovative. In over 30 years of existence, LCF Law has increased its reputation and size by delivering tailored legal solutions to meet the actual needs of its clients. With strong endorsements and recommendations for service delivery and excellent communication the firm attracts new work and high calibre lawyers.
The company’s achievements have been recognised by the legal community, with its managing partner who was awarded the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year (Yorkshire Legal Awards) in 2016. In 2017 the firm was shortlisted for the second year at the MPF Awards for Management Excellence. In 2018 LCF Residential were shortlisted at the Yorkshire Legal Awards as Residential Property Team of the year. In 2019, Julie Davis (Head of LCF Residential was awarded Lawyer of the Year (Modern Law Awards) and in 2019 LCF Law was awarded Best Business to Work For (FB Business and Lifestyle Awards). In 2020 LCF were finalists in the Family Law Award (Yorkshire Legal Awards).
LCF Law anticipates continued growth in revenue and profitability.
Clients recognise the value delivered by LCF Law, and the expertise it offers across its core areas of practice. The strong LCF brand will continue to grow and see the movement of the firm into new sectors.
Types of work undertaken
Corporate and commercial: led by Susan Clark, the corporate and commercial department offers a full range of legal services and support to the region’s businesses, covering disposals and acquisitions; directors duties; corporate governance; commercial contracts; business structures; intellectual property; finance and funding; partnerships; LLPs and joint ventures; succession planning and exit strategies; business start-ups; employment; franchising; academy trusts; and liquor licensing.
Personal law: the firm offers individuals support with wills; trusts; tax and asset protection; probate services; inheritance disputes; power of attorney; personal injury trusts; Court of Protection; pre-nuptial agreements; divorce and separation; financial matters on relationship breakdown; children matters; mediation; collaborative law; and personal injury. The department is led by Neil Shaw.
Dispute resolution: the dispute resolution department is led by Charles Abraham. It offers a full range of services and support to the region’s individuals and businesses in areas such as commercial and contractual disputes; banking disputes; directors claims and liabilities; building and construction; commercial agents; insolvency and corporate recovery; intellectual property disputes; partnership and shareholder disputes; professional negligence; mediation and arbitration; debt recovery; property litigation; dilapidation disputes; landlord and tenant disputes; and lease renewal disputes.
Property: the property department is led by Paul Anderson and is a one-stop shop for property law offering a full range of expertise and advice covering commercial leases; property development; portfolio management; option agreements; pension funds; planning and environment; property finance; leasehold enfranchisement; farming; agriculture and rural; residential property; Islamic finance; and construction contracts.
Specialist sectors and brands include Insolvency, debt recovery, LCF health (for GP’s, dentists and pharmacists) IT and digital media, entertainment and media, art and heritage, farming, agriculture and rural, charity sector, food sector, sports law.
Other offices: Harrogate, Ilkley, Leeds
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior and managing partner | Simon Stell | sstell@lcf.co.uk | 01274 386 582 |
Corporate | Susan Clark | sclark@lcf.co.uk | 0113 487 3930 |
Real estate | Paul Anderson | panderson@lcf.co.uk | 01274 848 828 |
Dispute resolution | Charles Abraham | cabraham@lcf.co.uk | 0113 201 0403 |
Private client | Neil Shaw | nshaw@lcf.co.uk | 01274 386 596 |
Employment | James Austin | jaustin@lcf.co.uk | 01423 851138 |
Family | Rachel Spencer Robb | rspencerrobb@lcf.co.uk | 01943 885 795 |
Intellectual property | James Sarjantson | jsarjantson@lcf.co.uk | 0113 224 7892 |
Debt recovery | Andrew Langton | alangton@lcf.co.uk | 0113 4873 932 |
Planning | Tim Axe | taxe@lcf.co.uk | 01423 851 120 |
Property litigation | Ragan Montgomery | rmontgomery@lcf.co.uk | 01274 386 561 |
Insolvency | Jo Barnes | jbarnes@lcf.co.uk | 0113 224 7892 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Paul Anderson | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ann-Marie Casey | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Susan Clark | Head of Corporate | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Edwards | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ragan Montgomery | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Harjit Rait | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Neil Shaw | Head of Personal Law | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Spencer Robb | Head of Family Law | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Stell | Managing Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Harriet Thornton | Head of Real Estate | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 22 Number of other UK fee-earners : 37Diversity
The statement about your firm’s commitment to diversity should be c500 words.
We have a responsible commitment to the communities in which we have offices and in which our colleagues live. Being aware of local issues and concern helps us understand the community, set ourselves goals and challenges to support improvement and involve our colleagues in local initiatives to promote the sustainable future of our communities.
Our CSR activities can be viewed under the following 4 categories:
- Our people
- The community
- The environment
- Arts and culture
Our People
We know its our people who make the real difference. At LCF Law we offer a structured induction programme, ongoing in-house training, and the opportunity to further progress an individual’s career with external training courses. We are an equal opportunities employer and can offer a range of opportunities for people at all levels of their career.
Here at LCF, we have developed our mental health awareness provision and we have 12 trained and accredited Mental Health First Aiders and wellness champions.
We believe in a good work-life balance. We have an active social committee who take pride in arranging several events for both colleagues and their families throughout the year. These events can include, the LCF Summer BBQ, Christmas Party, social walks, collective participation in charity fund raising initiatives.
The Community
We want to give back to the local communities we operate in, Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley. We are proud to be involved in and support many local initiatives, including:
- In 2022, Bradford was announced as the winner of the UK City of Culture for 2025. The year is set to deliver more than 1000 new performances and events, a series of art festivals as well as exciting national and international collaborations.
- Working with communities across Leeds and Bradford the Leeds Community Foundation creates opportunities for all. This is done by generating and investing as well as maximising statutory funding to deliver grants and provide.
- Bounceback Bradford is fighting food poverty. It provides hot nutritious meals for vulnerable people who struggle to access food. Their team across the UK can provide, cater, educate, and sustain, employ, and inspire. They also operate ‘buy one, give on’ foodbank drinks at markets and events.
- Pro bono support to Community Action Bradford and District and the city’s Springfield Youth Centre negotiating leasing agreements for new premises.
The Environment
At LCF Law we have our very own ‘LCF Green Team’. With a commitment to sustainability, the team encourages colleagues to recycle, reduce paper and buy local.
Some of the initiatives include:
- Recycling all office paper, toner cartridges, batteries
- Reduction of plastic waste
- Promotion the use of public transport (rail) for business travel
We will also plant 500 trees annually for the next two years with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust as part of a carbon offset initiative but also creating significant leisure and environmental impact in the area.
Arts and Culture
The company is a supporter of the following:
- The National Media Museum
- Bradford Literature Festival
- Thomas Chippendale Society
- Ilkley Literature Festival
- Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Real estate > Property litigation