Clarion > Leeds, England > Firm Profile
Clarion Offices

ELIZABETH HOUSE
13-19 QUEEN STREET
LEEDS
LS1 2TW
England
Clarion > The Legal 500 Rankings
Dispute resolution > Debt recovery Tier 1
Clarion's 'friendly, approachable and professional' debt recovery practice assists local, national and international creditors with a range of high-value recovery matters. Daniel Carlton leads the team and has a focus on the leisure, construction, manufacturing and property sectors. Dale Fawcett focuses on utility and large volume collections, while Andrew McAulay complements the practice with costs and litigation funding expertise. The team works closely with head of insolvency Ryan Millmore and Dominic Blakeley and Kayleigh Fantoni, who are noted for contested debt issues. The group was also strengthened by the arrival of debt recovery executives Shelian Craig and Rebecca Williamson from Knights plc and Ward Hadaway LLP respectively.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Carlton
Other key lawyers:
Dale Fawcett; Andrew McAulay; Ryan Millmore; Dominic Blakely; Kayleigh Fantoni; Shelian Craig; Rebecca Williamson
Testimonials
‘The members of the team that we work with are friendly, approachable and professional. They keep us up to date with all of our claims and have a good recovery rate.’
‘Daniel Carlton effectively and efficiently manages our debt recovery cases. He is always upbeat and friendly in our catch up calls.’
Key clients
Shred-It Limited
SRCL Limited
Encon Insulation Limited
Bruntwood Investments PLC
Sanderson Weatherall LLP
Asics UK Limited
Admiral Taverns PLC
Symington’s Limited
The Pink Link Limited
Puragen Sarl
Work highlights
- Acting for Encon Insulation in collecting debts and assisting with insolvency matters. This involves issuing claim forms, bankruptcy petitions and winding up petitions.
- Assisting Shred-It with its own credit control function.
- Instructed by Bruntwood Investments plc in collecting commercial rent from tenants.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Clarion's 'very approachable and knowledgeable team' is co-headed by Ryan Millmore and Roger Hutton, who have a wealth of experience advising insolvency practitioners and asset-based lenders on asset tracing and litigation, as well as acting for distressed companies and directors. Alice Pratt has expertise in corporate insolvencies in the retail, manufacturing and hospitality sectors. Ben Slack advises clearing banks, asset-based lenders, private equity firms and creditors on the full spectrum of solvent and insolvent restructuring matters. Consultant Philip Mudd, and 'diligent and attentive' senior associate Estelle Oates, are also of note. Legal directors Emma Lowe and Victoria Kay joined in January 2021 from Shoosmiths LLP and Addleshaw Goddard respectively.
Practice head(s):
Ryan Millmore; Roger Hutton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Estelle Oates is diligent, attentive and a very good team player.’
‘Alice Pratt is incredibly easy to work with and knows what she’s doing.’
‘Very approachable and knowledgeable team. A real team attitude, there doesn’t appear to be any internal politics. Many of our queries are time critical, and the team at Clarion are very responsive.’
‘Ryan Millmore – Very knowledgeable, calm in stressful situations and a very good “sounding board”.’
‘Ben Slack – Solution focused, well connected, great at getting the job over the line.’
‘The firm is Leeds based, and I have worked with this group on 2 long-running, high profile and difficult cases. Clarion were every bit as effective (and in my opinion more effective) than the London firms. They achieved outstanding results in both cases.’
‘Roger Hutton is exceptional – he has excellent commercial judgement, is a highly motivational and motivated leader, manages demanding clients with aplomb, knows when to get involved and when to leave alone, and is a delight to work with and for. Emma Lowe is an excellent addition to the team: very knowledgeable and collaborative, and adds significant value’.
Key clients
KPMG
Begbies Traynor
Deloitte
Ernst & Young
RSM
Armstrong Watson
Mazars
FRP Advisory LLP
Alvarez & Marsal
Kingsbridge Corporate Solutions Limited
Leonard Curtis
BDO
Work highlights
- Advised Ernst and Young in relation to the CVA of Brian Yeardley Continental Limited.
- Advised Callisto Holdings Limited on its acquisition of SME Platform Limited.
- Acted for Mazars as administrators of Procter Bros Limited.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Led by 'fantastic lawyer' Lynsey Harrison, the private client team at Clarion advises on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. The team regularly handles Inheritance Act claims on behalf of executors, trustees and beneficiaries, and is well-versed in contentious Court of Protection matters, with notable experience of deputyship applications, statutory wills and financial abuse of the elderly. All team members are affiliated to ACTAPS with notable associates being Louise Dodds, Liam Brooke, Nicholas Choiniere and Danielle Pawson.
Practice head(s):
Lynsey Harrison
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have been consistently impressed by both the understanding and conduct of everyone that I have had dealings with at Clarion. My case has been a long and very distressing one and I doubt that I could have secured any justice for my father had it not been for the high level of professionalism, approachability and support that Clarion have provided.’
‘A team that stand out from all the others. Absolutely wonderful team to work with, commercial focus and real genuine support for clients ’
‘Lynsey Harrison is a wonderful lawyer, she knows her stuff and can support clients emotionally as well as giving solid commercial advice. A brilliant lawyer!’
‘Lynsey Harrison is a fantastic lawyer but also a pleasure to deal with. She delas with matters pragmatically and sensibly.’
‘Nicholas Choiniere is an excellent communicator and often goes the extra mile for clients Louise Dodds is very knowledgeable and puts clients at ease very easily. Lynsey Harrison is a formidable opponent and gets excellent results for clients ’
‘Danielle Pawson is an able and organised litigator. ’
‘They will fully assess any situation and offer a comprehensive service – they are very approachable and help explain the technical/legal aspects in such a way that we can support a customer appropriately to get the best outcome for them. Louise Dodds is my main point of contact and I depend on her completely, though Lynsey Harrison has also supported us through a number of difficult issues’
‘Lynsey Harrison is an expert in her field and has an outstanding reputation. What is equally as impressive, however, is how available, approachable and generally helpful Lynsey is. Lynsey leads her team from the front and sets an excellent example, in various ways, but not least in terms of technical ability and a compassionate approach.’
Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 1
The 'absolutely amazing' Justine Osmotherley leads the family offering at Clarion. Adept at handling complex financial settlements and advising on nuptial agreements, the team is widely recognised for its support of corporate clients in wealth protection matters. In addition, the firm's expertise extends to children cases incorporating aspects of relocation, hostile witnesses and notably, surrogacy. Moreover, the practice has a strong reputation in co-habitation agreements/disputes which are often coupled with Schedule 1 Children Applications. Jane Ingleby was promoted to the partnership in June 2021; associate Charlotte Davies is another key contact.
Practice head(s):
Justine Osmotherley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Clarion are a very warm, caring practice, who in very difficult circumstances are supportive in so many ways. I have a very long and worthwhile relationship with my teams in family law and would recommend them to others. They are responsive to the needs of their clients in a quick, efficient way.’
‘In my first interaction with Clarion I was very surprised at how they understood my requirements, was willing to listen with empathy and dealt with thing in a very efficient manner.’
‘Justine Osmotherley was absolutely amazing! I cant praise and thank her enough for her professionalism and ethical approach. I will use her again. ’
‘It is clear to me that they invest a lot of time, effort and resources in ensuring that their lawyers and the support staff have what they need to give their best and feel supported. This has been particularly clear during the pandemic where Clarion has ensured its people have been provided with the technology needed to navigate the difficult times we have all had to endure‘.
‘Jane Ingleby stands out due to her exceptional bedside manner with clients and calming aura, which is undoubtedly a result of her experience and command of her practice‘.
‘Charlotte Davies’ star is on the rise. She is a very capable practitioner who is wise beyond her years‘.
‘Jane Ingleby – excellent children law solicitor with focus on private law. She thinks strategically. Justine Osmotherley – provides real sound leadership to the team and is skilled particularly in matrimonial finance , down to earth , approachable and very good at what she does.’
Work highlights
- Acted for an entrepreneur with multiple business interest in different legal entities and argued for a departure from equality due to pre-marital assets and his contribution.
- Acted for party on a prenup involving 3 jurisdictions; wealth of almost $200m and issues surrounding citizenship; Visas and whether there was an intention for a marriage of convenience.
- Acted for a party claiming a share of a £26m trust involving family lawyers and trust lawyers and agreeing a settlement on favourable terms.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1
Clarion has an 'excellent' track record in advising a string of large international clients on the full range of IP work, and is led by Esther Kirwan in Leeds. The team has trade mark and design filing expertise and has an increasing workload of cross-border mandates, acting for clients operating in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and chemical sectors. The core team is made up of Sue Streatfield, who is the key name for complex litigation and has appeared before the UK Intellectual Property Office; and senior associate Sarah Molloy, who manages a wide caseload of global trade mark matters. The group was bolstered with the arrival of Lindsey Wrenn from Wilson Gunn, who adds international design protection expertise.
Practice head(s):
Esther Kirwan
Other key lawyers:
Sue Streatfield; Sarah Molloy; Lindsey Wrenn; Jemma Green
Testimonials
‘With three experienced genuinely specialist IP partners the team has a breadth of skills and a strength in depth which is unusual within a single site full service firm in the regions. The team (and indeed Clarion as a whole) is commercial and entrepreneurial, and provides great client service.’
‘Esther Kirwan is a great leader of the team who gives clients confidence but also isn’t afraid to let more junior team members shine and show what they can do. Lindsey Wrenn was an astute addition to the team this year who brings a wealth of experience and global contacts to the firm. Jemma Green is a very able ‘allrounder’ who continues to impress and is definitely a talented IP lawyer to look out for in years to come.’
‘The team offer an excellent service, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and technically competent.’
‘I deal with Esther Kirwan who is always helpful and takes time to understand the business and the people.’
‘I have worked with this confident and capable team for a number of years. They understand the business and I have complete faith in the advice and guidance they provide. We have had a number of brand re-launches over the last 12 months and despite the difficulties everyone has faced they have remained pragmatic, forward thinking and importantly always conscious of cost. The team remains incredibly responsive and go over and above to assist our requirements.’
‘Special mention for Jemma Green who I have worked with for a long time and is always enthusiastic, knowledgeable, professional and timely in responses/updates to our business.’
‘The approachability and commerciality is what sets Clarion apart. They go a step further in understanding your business and providing legal advice in a straight forward way.’
‘The individuals we have worked with have demonstrated excellent knowledge of the issues that are relevant to our sector and are very good value for money.’
Key clients
Hermes Parcelnet Limited
FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
Neom Limited
Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd
Frasers Group Plc and Sportsdirect.com Group Limited
Freeman Grattan Holdings
Synthomer Plc
Grangers International Limited
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Vichugo, Inc
Work highlights
- Acted for OPM in the successful enforcement of its patents for a cutting edge development for the packaging for wet wipes against infringers in the UK and abroad.
- Managed the Harrison Spinks group’s global trade mark portfolio, enforced its trade marks and patents and advised on a wide range of national and international manufacturing and supply and joint venture agreements and patent, know-how and trade mark licences.
- Successfully enforced Polypipe’s IP rights including copyright and trade mark rights and drafted high-value collaboration agreements.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 2
Clarion is 'technically strong, personable and engaging' according to clients and handles a range of corporate finance matters and is active in the private equity arena. Co-led by Richard Moran and Matthew Hattersley, the group is a strong player in the domestic market and is able to handle international instructions for large companies. The core team comprises Jonathan Simms, who has over two decades of experience in M&A and private equity transactions, and David Cunningham, who works across both public and private sector spaces. On the senior associate level, Kaira Clarehugh and Sarah Harrison are singled out by clients. The technology and IT sectors remain key specialisms.
Practice head(s):
Richard Moran; Matthew Hattersley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provide our business with a breadth of legal support, pulling on technical experts from within and externally where appropriate. In comparison to other firms we have worked with Clarion stand out for providing a strong and innovative team which creates a trusted partnership and consistently deliver excellent results.’
‘The staff and partners at Clarion are technically strong, personable and engaging. They are very supportive but equally challenging when required. They build strong relationships throughout the business and provide proactive support which feels more like an in-house legal resource.’
‘Very approachable team, down to earth and always gives good, pragmatic advice. Being Yorkshire based means they tend to “tell it how it is”, rather than skate around tricky subjects like some of their London counterparts. No smoke and mirrors. Lack of ego in the team, very good gender balance in the teams we have worked with.’
‘Jonathan Simms and Sarah Harrison are the people we work most closely with. Both are very pragmatic individuals whose advice can be solidly trusted and also good fun. Sarah is a machine – she just never seems to stop working!’
‘For me, Clarion is all about the people. We have worked with them for a number of years and never have they let us down – the legal support is impeccable but this is amplified by the individual care and attention we get from every one of our key contacts. Always going the extra mile, investing time in understanding not only our business but our entire industry.’
‘Jonathan Simms and Sarah Harrison have been with me every step of the way. They understand me, my businesses and my industry with equal measure, making the advice and support I receive accurate, insightful and valuable in so many ways. No problem or challenge is unanswered and the level of trust we have built over the years is second to none – they are my go to for advice on all things – not just legal.’
‘Clarion have a very strong commercial offering. They have recruited some very strong non partners into the firm over the last few years which has given them much more depth to their offering. The firm provides great transparency on billing when required and has provided some innovative leadership on providing dedicated resourcing.’
‘Matthew Hattersley is a strong, pragmatic and calm lawyer who looks to solve issues. He thinks about the bigger picture.’
Key clients
Chameleon Technology UK Limited
Harwood Capital LLP
Harrison Spinks Beds Limited
Assisi Pet Care Limited
Acumen Waste Services Limited
Strata Homes Limited
Heck! Food Limited
Force 24 Ltd
LSS Waste Management Group Limited
The Home Marketing Group
Shopper Media Group Ltd
Belgrade Insulations Limited
iMist Ltd
Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association / William Thompson Feeds
Trinity McQueen Limited
Carnaby Caravans Limited
The Data Shed Limited
Panintelligence Limited
All Steels Trading Limited
NG Bailey Group Limited
Intermarketing Group Limited
InterSystems Corporation
Vocalink Limited (Mastercard)
Redcentric plc
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
ASICS
Work highlights
- Acted for Force 24 Ltd and Management on a share sale and private equity investment by YFM Private Equity Partners.
- Acted on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Hollings Limited, a pet food and pet treats manufacturer and supplier by Assisi Pet Care Limited.
- Advised the majority shareholder on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Chameleon Technology (UK) Limited to Chameleon Technology Holdings Limited funded by Shard Credit Partners Ltd.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 2
Clarion's commercial dispute resolution practice is praised by clients for instilling 'confidence that they will achieve the best outcome for the business'. In addition to handling a range of corporate and shareholder disputes, it counts IT, outsourcing and supply chain contract litigation as well as judicial reviews, procurement challenges and follow-on damages claims among its areas of specialism. Simon Young leads the team, which includes David Williams, who focuses on disputes with an international element with particular expertise in project and joint venture disputes in Africa. Other names to note include IT and outsourcing specialist Dominic Higham, legal director Dominic Blakeley and senior associate Kayleigh Fantoni. The group also benefits from the addition of legal director Robert Stewart from Clifford Chance LLP, who has a breadth of experience acting for blue-chip corporates, international banks and private equity houses.
Practice head(s):
Simon Young
Other key lawyers:
David Williams; Dominic Higham; Dominic Blakeley; John Mackle Robert Stewart; Kayleigh Fantoni
Testimonials
‘Always quick to recognise the wider commercial considerations surrounding any legal dispute, therefore you have confidence that they will achieve the best outcome for the business.’
‘Good value for what feels like high quality advice. It doesn’t feel like a compromise to use them instead of larger firms.’
‘David Williams is very good, and highly effective when put in front of (non-legal) clients.’
‘John Mackle achieves a lot in a short space of time and represents very good value.’
‘Clear and concise. Quick to get to the point.’
‘The individuals at Clarion value their clients and take time to understand the metrics of our business. This really stands them apart from other firms who want to provide advice but are less interested in the impact on a business.’
‘Dominic Higham is Clarion’s lead partner for commercial and dispute. He is excellent. He is able to explain legal complexity in easy language for those not used to the legal aspects of dispute resolution and his support in defining and executing the legal strategy has supported us in resolving, what was for our business, a troubling and complex dispute.’
‘I think Clarion is unique as it is populated by lawyers who see legal problems in commercial terms.’
Key clients
Intersystems
Sports Direct
Silverstone Circuits Ltd
Dunlop Oil and Marine
House of Fraser
Hermes
Redcentric plc
LNT Group
Caddick Group Plc
SRCL
Work highlights
- Advising the Continental AG group on issues arising under various contracts to deliver sub-sea hoses for $multi-billion gas projects in Western Australia.
- Advising Redcentric plc on high-value reputational issues.
- Acted for Sports Direct International plc in claims against Goals Soccer Centres concerning financial reporting irregularities and audit issues.
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 2
Clarion’s multidisciplinary employment team handles a steady stream of mandates for large domestic and global corporates, and is particularly active in representing clients across the healthcare, sports and higher education sectors. Practice head Sarah Tahamtani has over two decades of experience in commercial advisory work and is skilled in disciplinary procedures and internal investigations. The group also has an immigration law niche to its work, and recently expanded its offering with Suzanne Treen, who joined from Walker Morris LLP. Other core members include Chris Booth, who is the key name for corporate takeovers, and Deborah Warren, who focuses on restructuring and redundancy projects.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Tahamtani
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly professional and commercial team, who provide proactive support and practical help.’
‘Sarah Tahamtani goes out of her way to partner the business and understands the challenges.’
‘This practice is extremely respondent and provides a fantastic knowledge across a variety of services that we require. Clarion are consistently available and will always have a point of contact that can provide specialist advice to each area.’
Key clients
Nobia A. B. (including Magnet Limited, Rixonway Kitchen Limited, Gower Furniture Limited and Commodore Kitchens Limited)
Clipper Logistics plc
The Equiniti Group (including Equiniti Limited and MyCSP Limited)
The Shard
Redcentric plc
Leeds Beckett University
LNT Group
Harrison Spinks Beds Limited
Fenner group
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
Clarion handles a steady stream of regulatory matters across the food and drinks sector for leading domestic clients. Led by the highly rated Sarah Taylor, who is ‘one of the outstanding regulatory lawyers of her generation’ according to clients, the group is instructed on health and safety matters, trading standards investigations, and coroner inquests. Associate Lucy Alderson is also a core member of the team and provides compliance advice and training to large corporates. Workplace fatalities also feature in the group's workload.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The health and safety team has two members with whom I have worked closely. Sarah Taylor (partner) and Lucy Alderson (associate). Sarah brings a wealth of experience from many big health and safety cases, but complements this with vast experience from other regulatory fields such as food safety, consumer protection and product safety. Lucy is a very able lawyer and quickly grasps factual and legal issues pertinent to a case. This firm compares more than favourably with all the big players in the health and safety field.’
‘Sarah Taylor is one of the outstanding regulatory lawyers of her generation. No higher praise can be bestowed on an individual lawyer than when other specialist lawyers would choose her above all others to represent them if they were unlucky enough to come to the attention of the regulator. I know more than one person who would unhesitatingly engage her in such circumstances to represent them. She is a fine lawyer, but also has client care skills of high quality and the ability to identify the real issues very early in case. This is all done in a calm and measured fashion immediately gaining the client’s confidence.’
‘Sarah Taylor is an excellent technical lawyer.‘
‘Sarah is in my view the pre-eminent solicitor for all types of regulatory work – food, health and safety, criminal product liability and so on. She is vastly experienced, has immense commercial judgement and is an absolute pleasure to work with. Sometimes, as practitioners become more senior and have additional responsibilities they can lose their focus on the detail – this is something which Sarah has maintained as she has become more senior and she has the rare quality of being able to master the details as well as maintain control of the bigger picture. Her tactical decision making is first class – I cannot recall ever having disagreed with an approach which she suggested.’
‘Sarah Taylor is simply one of the best health and safety and food safety / retail lawyers in the country. Very experienced, a loyal list of clients and she is very impressive at strategy and case management. Very personable and calm. Outstanding operator in this field.’
Key clients
TJ Morris Limited t/a Home Bargains
Coopland & Son (Scarborough) Limited
Work highlights
- Supported Home Bargains on the operation of Covid-secure stores and the management of Covid-related enforcement activity.
- Advised Coopland Bakeries in the context of Covid and on traditional issues of health and safety compliance.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2
Clarion provides 'excellent value for money' and its team has a 'proven ability to deliver to tight timescales taking a commercial and practical approach'. The practice has a strong regional market presence in real estate and development finance. The 'outstanding' Marie Pugh advises on a variety of banking transactions on behalf of mainstream banks, challenger banks, alternative lenders, asset-based lenders and invoice discounters. 'Client friendly and pragmatic' partner Ben Slack specialises in asset-based lending, while Philip Dine leads on property finance mandates.
Practice head(s):
Marie Pugh
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The finance team provides excellent value for money, providing the same quality of advice as bigger and more expensive firms.’
‘Worked with Ben Slack on a refinancing with very tight deadline. He was very client-friendly and provided pragmatic advice and solutions.’
‘Great work ethic with a proven ability to deliver to tight timescales taking a commercial and practical approach.’
‘Marie Pugh – Outstanding partner who leads a strong team in the banking arena. Marie runs a high volume high deal doing unit with a large variation of transactions running across the team.’
‘Clarion’s banking and finance team are our go to supplier for lender side work. Service is second to none, and transaction deadlines met or exceeded on a regular basis. Direct access to partners is also valued.’
‘Partner, Ben Slack provides an excellent service, both on deals he is directly engaged on, plus providing real time information on his teams work.’
Key clients
Aldermore Bank plc
Reward Finance Group (Reward Capital Limited and Reward Invoice Finance Limited)
Thincats (ESF Loans Limited, TC Loans 1 Limited, TC Loans II Limited and TC CBILS Funding Limited)
Hampshire Trust Bank plc
TFG Capital Limited
HSBC Bank plc
Reparo Finance Limited
Momentum Finance Group Investments Limited
Secure Trust Bank plc
Skipton Business Finance Limited
Ultimate Finance Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Fresh Thinking Capital Limited
ABLrate Assets Limited
4Syte Limited
Breal Zeta CF
Optimum SME Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Thincats (TC CBILS Funding Limited) in relation to two connected CLBILS loan facilities to borrower WRW Construction Limited to support working capital requirements.
- Acted for Aldermore Bank, the lender on a re-finance of a portfolio of 175 student properties in Hull.
- Acted for Chameleon Technology Holding as the borrower, on a unitranche facility for the purpose of an MBO to support growth.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
Clarion's private wealth practice typically acts for ultra-high net worth and multi-generational clients with many matters containing international complexities. Handling estate planning and technical trust issues, the firm is increasingly active in obtaining overseas grants of representation and fields expertise in capital tax and generational planning for farming families. In addition, it offers bespoke fixed fee packages for wills, lasting powers of attorney and cross option agreements and is recognised for its specialist knowledge of mental capacity disputes. The team leads are Vivienne Wild, Lynsey Harrison and legal director Clare King with support from associates Stephanie Parrish and Gareth Marland (a recent hire from Berwins).
Practice head(s):
Vivienne Wild; Lynsey Harrison; Clare King
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A modern, fresh, approachable team who are very much a part of the Leeds business community. Individuals are knowledgeable and professional but manage to balance this with a friendly and empathetic culture. There is clearly a focus on culture and values which attracts and retains quality staff. ’
‘Clare King has dealt with my own estate planning and that of several clients/contacts, all of which have been handled in the same warm, professional and efficient manner. She has a unique ability to build rapport and trust whilst dealing with issued which can often be emotive and sensitive.’
‘Having had an unsatisfactory and unprofessional experience with a previous legal practice, during a complex probate process, I found that the Clarion Private Client operation, headed by Stephanie Parish, to be thoroughly professional.’
‘I have mainly worked with Stephanie Parrish, and I have found her to be very competent, easy to talk to and very able in using an inclusive discussion as the preferred means of steering a course towards the successful resolution of the estate.’
‘The Clarion Private Client Team is a large team with fee earners across all ranges of seniority. They deal with high value work of the utmost complexity. In my experience they deal with work comparable to the leading firms in London. The recent recruitment of Gareth Marland from Berwins has only strengthened their offering.’
‘Vivienne Wild is highly experienced at dealing with complex trust and taxation matters. Her practice is akin to that of a leading London solicitor. Gareth Marland is also a highly experienced and skilled trusts practitioner.’
‘Highly experienced and technically very strong team – technically the best trust and probate team I have come across in Leeds. Everyone is very friendly and approachable and work in a collaborative manner with other advisors, seeking input from others where needed. ’
‘Great with clients, they have a very good client manner and are loved by clients (applies both to more junior and senior staff at Clarion). Viv Wild and Steph Parish stand out as technically exceptional in their fields.’
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 2
Clients praise Clarion for its 'excellent value for money', 'high standard of work' and 'very hands-on involvement at partner/legal director level'. The practice handles the full gamut of property transactions and development work. It also has a growing secured lending practice, which is led by Ben Lamb. Martin Grange, who is a specialist in large-scale developments, 'runs the team very well'. Retail specialist Lindsay Texel is experienced in portfolio management and commercial development mandates. Senior legal directors Eve Gregory and Alison Batty active in acquisitions and residential development matters.
Practice head(s):
Martin Grange
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Martin Grange runs the team very well – he is always available to discuss strategy around my business, and then makes sure the work is done cost effectively and efficiently. Alison Batty has been a superstar in helping me this year!’
‘The firm provides excellent value for money, providing a high standard of work and advice at considerably lower rates than that of larger more expensive firms. Unlike other firms, very hands-on involvement at partner/legal director level.’
‘Eve Gregory’s experience and commercial approach enabled us to effectively navigate our way through a number of significant difficulties and challenges.’
‘I have worked with a number of solicitors over the years and Clarion are by far head and shoulders above them all. The level of communication is excellent. When you add this to their knowledge and speed of service, this makes them a great package.’
‘Excellent levels of service, the whole team is always available at the end of a phone, email or video conference for any problems, even if just to direct towards the relevant team.’
‘The individuals genuinely care about the tasks they are completing. Offering support and advice as needed and not being afraid to challenge at the appropriate time. I would without hesitation recommend Clarion’s property team.’
Key clients
ASICS
Persimmon Homes Ltd
Leeds Beckett University
Warburtons Limited
Yorkshire Housing Limited
Masons Gin Limited
Close Brothers Limited
Oaknorth Bank plc
Arc Inspirations LLP
Aldermore Bank Plc
ATC Properties Limited
HSN Care Limited
Rougemont Limited
Harron Homes Ltd
Hill Giftware Ltd
KMRE Group Ltd
Strata Homes Ltd
Hampshire Trust Bank plc
Renewable Land Resources Limited
Newby Investments Limited
Illuminating Investments Limited
Countryside Properties (UK) Limited
Tolent Living Ltd
Redefine Paragon Square (Hull) Limited (Hammonds of Hull)
V & A Homes
Tate Estates Limited
The Wentworth Charity
Newett Homes Limited
Berkeley de Veer Limited
Rusty Rabbit International Limited
Emerald Property Developments (Yorkshire) Limited
TFP Group Limited
Tile Giant Limited
The Mosaic Tile Company Limited
Leeds and London Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sports Direct on the £37m acquisition of DW Sports from administrators.
- Acted for Aldermore Bank on the provision of a £29m refinance facility to a large student investment company. It is the bank’s biggest single loan to date.
- Advising The Wentworth Charity, a major landowner on the redevelopment of part of their estate to create the largest distribution centre in Europe for Hermes Parcelnet with an overall development value of £100m.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Leeds firm Clarion is engaged by regional corporate clients and public bodies on a wide range of non-contentious matters, including outsourcing arrangements, software service agreements, public sector IT projects and franchising negotiations. Matthew Hattersley heads up the commercial and IT teams, while Dominic Higham leads on the contentious side, advising on commercial litigation and outsourcing disputes. David Cunningham leads the technology group and advises both public and private sector clients on telecommunications.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Hattersley; Dominic Higham
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
InterSystems Corporation.
Vocalink Limited (Mastercard)
Redcentric plc
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK
ASICS
Card Factory plc
Hemingways Marketing Services Limited
Nichols plc
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Denmark
Work highlights
- Advised InterSystems Corporation on a renewal bid to NHS Wales for laboratory information management services; a service at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic response.
- Advised Card Factory on implementing a new SAP electronic resource planning solution, the system that underpins the day-to-day operational and also strategic planning of the business.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
The sports team at Clarion handles a range of corporate and dispute resolution matters for high-end sportswear brands and clubs. Led by Richard Moran in Leeds, the practice is able to leverage its strengths across banking and real estate law to handle acquisitions and leasing arrangements. Other key names include Eve Gregory and Charlie Smith.
Practice head(s):
Richard Moran
Other key lawyers:
Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Infrastructure and energy Tier 3
Clarion fields a multidisciplinary energy practice group, which has a focus on the renewable energy and low carbon sectors, and handles work for a client roster which spans regional, national and international names. Based out of Leeds, the team is jointly overseen by Christian Hellmund (formerly of DWF) and litigator David Williams, and handles a steady stream of contentious and non-contentious mandates. The team acts for oil, gas and electricity clients in domestic and international litigation, and also handles regulatory issues. Associate Victoria Leadley is the name for large-sale projects.
Practice head(s):
Christian Hellmund; David Williams
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Christian Hellmund for a number of years. His attention to detail, pragmatic approach and thinking “outside the box” attitude means that we trust him implicitly to act on our behalf. It really is a pleasure to work with Christian.’
‘We had a great collaboration on an energy asset purchase transaction, Clarion arranged a team that covered all relevant aspects of the transaction as well as organized completion of the transaction in a timely and efficient manner. Our suggestions and concerns around the transaction were duly analysed and implemented where relevant. Project was completed in relatively short period of time.’
‘Project and team leader Christian Hellmund was able to cover all relevant aspects of the agreement package, allowing us to have centralized communication with the legal office. Christian was the right professional to work with, as he had the relevant experience in areas that were important to us.’
Key clients
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Leo Group Limited
LBBC Limited
Bayford Group
Wilson Power Solutions
Winder Power
Leonard Curtis Business Rescue and Recovery
Acumen Waste Services Limited
Vensys Energy AG
Etgas/Enertecgreen Limited
GF Genovate Ltd (Genovate Power Solutions)
CorEnergy Limited
Kinetic Renewable Services Limited
Xrenewable Limited
Chameleon Technology Holdings
Work highlights
- Advising Vensys Energy on the supply of a 3.5MW onshore wind turbine to provide renewable energy directly to Budweiser Brewing Group’s brewery in Magor.
- Advising Etgas/Enertecgreen on the successful purchase of an advanced thermal gasification plant Enertecgreen originally designed for Yorkshire Water.
- Acted on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Chemwaste Limited, a hazardous waste management and environmental services business, by Acumen Waste Services Limited.
Real estate > Construction Tier 4
Clarion's team 'offers real value for money' to clients such as housebuilders, contractors, commercial developers and local authorities. The main contact is Phil Morrison, who provides 'clear and grounded advice' on contentious and non-contentious construction law matters.
Practice head(s):
Phil Morrison
Testimonials
‘The team offers real value for money – an excellent service but considerably less expensive than firms of comparable standards.’
‘I worked with Phil Morrison – knowledgeable, technically competent, friendly and helpful.’
‘The practice is very engaging and responsive and billing seems to be more straightforward than with some other practices.’
‘We have dealt with Phil Morrison on most issues and I particularly like the clear and grounded advice that he gives. This type of advice is difficult to find in my experience and would continue to use the practice for this reason.’
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Clarion has a strong focus on landlord and tenant work (with it representing both parties), and it also advises on tenant insolvency, dilapidations, mortgage arrears and repossession proceedings. Sophie Morley, who is the key contact, is supported by the wider real estate team.
Practice head(s):
Sophie Morley
Testimonials
‘Sophie and her team are a delight to work with. Astute in their areas of expertise whilst being commercially savvy and sensitive to the people and personalities in play – I could not praise them enough. Always available, ever proactive and focused on the details that matter to manage time efficiently and drive the right outcome, I have already recommended Sophie to other colleagues and friends.’
‘Sophie Morley is outstanding. Once described as the ‘silent assassin’ that offers a glimpse of her style and success rate. Calm, empathetic and considered, yet laser-like in her negotiation and legal approach to secure the desired result – in my experience she offers a unique mixed skillset which few people in her industry hold.’
‘In all my dealing with Clarion I have always been treated as an equal partner rather than just a client. This has resulted in a level of trust that means I can explore options and rely on them to provide a balanced view that takes commercial and risk factors into consideration.’
‘Sophie Morley is excellent – one of the best in Leeds. She really knows what she is doing and can adapt her style depending on what the case requires.’
Key clients
Yorkshire Housing Limited
Asics
Warburtons Limited
Interim Partners Limited
Allscripts Healthcare (UK) Limited
Tile Giant Limited
The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Leeds City Council
KMRE Group Limited
Done Brothers Limited (betfred)
V & A Homes (Yorkshire) Limited
Work highlights
- Advising a local authority on its right to renewal of a multi-unit site, some of which is occupied by the client, some sublet. Renewal is opposed on the grounds of re-development and that is being dealt with as a trail of a preliminary issue.
- Advising a developer client on a conditional contract for the purchase of a development site.
- Advising Tile Giant, a tenant client on interpretation and compliance with the break conditions in the lease following service of the break notice.
Clarion > Firm Profile
Clarion is a key player in Yorkshire, with a national and international reputation as it services clients in over 75 different countries. Clarion places real importance on providing a partner-led service with a hands-on approach and is renowned for being forward-thinking and commercially savvy. Clarion prides itself on an innovative approach and commits to investing time and resources into building relationships with clients to understand their goals and achieve them, as well as providing added value to their businesses.
The firm: The management team recognises the need for its lawyers to understand clients’ real issues, rather than purely serving their immediate legal needs. New service lines are developed to meet clients’ changing requirements, packaged and costed to deliver in line with genuine return on investment for clients.
Clarion has a strong link with the community and has a dedicated CSR programme. It is particularly proud of its sponsorship and involvement with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.
It has a substantial, active and growing in-house counsel network providing regular support with a programme of training events, in-house counsel lunches and other networking opportunities.
Clarion intends to expand at a measured rate by attracting further high-quality fee-earners and clients. Its main objective is to uphold its core values and provide outstanding service.
Types of work undertaken
Corporate: offering the full range of corporate finance work, including mainstream mergers and acquisitions, acting for banks and other financial institutions in the provision of acquisition finance facilities, advising international clients and entrepreneurs on expansion and start-up structures.
Commercial and IT: working with a diverse range of clients throughout the UK and internationally, the firm partners clients on complex deals in relation to commercial and IT contracts; information law; business models; trading and
e-commerce advice; outsourcing; and competition.
Intellectual property: acknowledged local and international experts, the firm assists with the identification, protection, exploitation and enforcement of rights in patents, designs, trade marks, copyright, databases, confidential information and related rights.
Real estate: the established team has long-term personal relationships across a wide range of sectors, with particular expertise in commercial and residential developments, leisure, corporate occupier and secured lending. The team includes expertise in construction and real estate litigation.
Dispute resolution: a long-established, highly regarded and experienced team dealing with every type of dispute: managed, negotiated and, where necessary, rigorously litigated with its hallmark tough and unwavering focus.
Business restructuring and insolvency: one of the leading corporate recovery and insolvency legal teams in the North of England, the highly regarded team is uniquely placed to offer national experience on a personal level for institutions, companies and individuals.
Regulatory: the team has extensive experience of supporting clients in their response to incidents – creating the mechanisms by which to investigate without self-incrimination and to learn lessons to prevent recurrence. And where prosecution follows, provide representation through the court process that is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome.
Private client: the successful team deals with the full private client remit, from wills and trusts, the protection of vulnerable relatives or loss of mental capacity, to critical tax planning, wider wealth management and business succession.
Family: it undertakes the full range of family work, including children disputes and family injunction issues, with particular emphasis and expertise in financial aspects of divorce and relationship breakdown. The team has considerable experience of high-value and complex cases involving property, business and pension issues.
Contentious private client: highly regarded litigators in this specialist area of law the team advise and support clients, ensuring they are aware of all options, ultimately protecting their rights.
Employment: a specialist employment law team ensuring clients are aware of all the options relating to the relevant regulations; adopting HR strategies, procedures and terms that develop staff, as well as reducing risk.
Banking and finance: with real strength in depth, the team have created a regional hub of expertise renowned for fast turnaround and an enviable track record. Acting for lenders and borrowers; the team’s work encompasses acquisition and structured finance transactions, real estate finance, asset based finance and restructuring projects covering the full range of corporate funding requirements.
Costs and litigation funding: a specialist and dedicated costs team working with over 70 law firms nationwide. Different to independent law costs draftsmen, as it understands what fee-earners require, together with the complex requirements of cost risk and management control.
Debt recovery: access to over 30 years’ experience of debt recovery and credit management, acting for commercial and consumer organisations, as well as local authorities in the UK.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Joint managing partner/Business restructuring and insolvency | Roger Hutton | ||
Joint managing partner/Business restructuring and insolvency | Ryan Millmore | ||
Senior partner/ Corporate | Richard Moran | ||
Commercial and IT | Matthew Hattersley | ||
Intellectual property | Esther Kirwan | ||
Banking and finance | Marie Pugh | ||
Dispute resolution | Simon Young | ||
Real estate | Martin Grange | ||
Private client | Vivienne Wild | ||
Employment | Sarah Tahamtani | ||
Family | Justine Osmotherley | ||
Costs and litigation funding | Andrew McAulay | ||
Debt recovery | Daniel Carlton | ||
Regulatory | Sarah Taylor | ||
Contentious private client | Lynsey Harrison |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | David Cunningham | David is a partner in the commercial practice at Clarion and having… | View Profile |
![]() | Martin Grange | Partner and head of property. Has dealt with a number of large-scale… | View Profile |
![]() | Lynsey Harrison | Partner – Head of Contentious Private Client Team. Lynsey deals with… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Hattersley | Partner and head of the commercial team, Matthew deals with non-contentious commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Dominic Higham | A commercial contracts dispute resolution specialist with a wealth of experience in… | View Profile |
![]() | Roger Hutton | Roger, joint managing partner and founder of and a partner in Clarion’s… | View Profile |
![]() | Esther Kirwan | Partner; experienced in all areas of contentious and non-contentious IP, including patents,… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Lamb | Ben has a broad commercial property experience with a specialism in development,… | View Profile |
![]() | Andrew McAulay | Andrew is the highly respected and professional leader of the Clarion costs… | View Profile |
![]() | Ryan Millmore | Joint managing partner and head of business restructuring and insolvency, Ryan specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Moran | Senior partner. Advises large corporates and SMEs on corporate finance and business… | View Profile |
![]() | Justine Osmotherley | Partner and head of private client services team. Justine deals with all… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Pratt | Partner in business restructuring and insolvency. Alice works across all aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Simms | Partner. Jonathan works across all disciplines of corporate law including mergers and… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Slack | Highly regarded in the finance and restructuring market, Ben is a partner… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Tahamtani | Employment partner with extensive experience in Employment Tribunal advocacy, specialising in strategic… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Taylor | Partner and head of the Regulatory team, Sarah advises clients in relation… | View Profile |
![]() | Lindsay Texel | Lindsay has over 18 years’ experience as a commercial property lawyer acting… | View Profile |
![]() | Vivienne Wild | Partner and head of the private client team. Vivienne advises high net… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Young | Partner and head of commercial dispute resolution. Simon is a highly rated… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 25 Number of other UK fee-earners : 155DIVERSITY
Diversity is about the ways in which we are all brilliantly unique. Our genetics, background, beliefs and experiences shape who we are in distinctive ways. At Clarion we recognise that these differences make us a better business – delivering better outcomes for clients, driving innovation and enriching our employee experience.
If diversity is about what makes us different, inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone is confident that their uniqueness is embraced.
BeingOne is about how we at Clarion become increasingly diverse and inclusive. It is not an “initiative” or project but provides us with a strategic framework, harnessing our collective perspectives, in support of a culture where each of our people can thrive and be their authentic selves. The impact should be seen as well as felt as we enhance what we do, and how we do it, on a day-to-day basis.
Diversity and inclusion have mattered to us for a long time and we have made real progress in certain areas. Our progress is evident from the powerful stories shared by some of our team:
Kayleigh Fantoni, Legal Director
“I unexpectedly fell pregnant within six months of joining Clarion and was naturally nervous about how this might be perceived and would impact on my sights on promotion. I needn’t have worried! After hugs of congratulations from my head of team, I was assured that it would make no difference at all. And it didn’t – I received my promotion the following June.”
Hitesh Tailor, Legal Director
“Looking at law firms from the eyes of people from the BAME community, I can understand why they see entering the legal profession as something that is not for them. Clarion recognises that diversity and inclusion is neither a buzzword nor a tick-box exercise but something that needs to be taken seriously.”
Sean Meehan, Associate
“I can honestly say, I have NEVER been made to feel so accepted and part of such a wonderful team, including clients and colleagues, as I do at Clarion. I have been given so many opportunities during my time here and was promoted within 12 months of being in the team. I am employed and recognised for who I am and not a statistic. There is no need for any specific LGBTQ+ groups to represent me, because inclusivity is just part of Clarion.”
Amir Rahouf, Paralegal
“I’m a British Pakistani male working in the legal industry and aspiring to be a solicitor, a goal I feel I can achieve at Clarion irrespective of my ethnicity and background. I’m seen as hard working, proactive and I’m constantly challenged to be the best version of myself, improving my skill-set so that I can be the well-rounded solicitor that I aspire to be. Clarion is inclusive of everyone irrespective of their race or ethnicity, we are all one colour at this firm.”
We recognise, though, that there is much left to do in realising our ambition to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work. BeingOne helps maintain our focus on, and commitment to, this crucial aspect of our firm.
- Dispute resolution > Debt recovery
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Health and safety
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport