Schofield Sweeney > Leeds, England > Firm Profile
Schofield Sweeney Offices
76 WELLINGTON STREET
LEEDS
LS1 2AY
England
Schofield Sweeney > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Andrew Hurst leads Schofield Sweeney‘s charities offering in the region, which operates out of Leeds and Bradford. The team has particular expertise in the education sector, specifically regarding the charitable status of academy trusts. Its workload includes advising on the availability of charitable status for not-for-profit organisations, the incorporation of charities, and development and governance issues. Founding partner Chris Schofield also lends his expertise to the team.Practice head(s):
Andrew Hurst
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bradford Culture Company Limited
Knaresborough Old Peoples Welfare Association
The Stevenson Charitable Trust CIO
Saloman Foundation
Actually Education
National Children’s Centre
Penny Appeal
Northern Star Academies Trust
The Basildon Academies
South Westmorland Multi Academy Trust
The Adnan Jaffery Academy Trust
Peak Edge
AIM Academies Trust
South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
Furness Education Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
The Crossley Heath School Academy Trust Limited
Watergrove Trust
Bronte Academy Trust
St Mary’s Academy Trust
SHARE Multi Academy Trust
Ashville College
Work highlights
- Advising Knaresborough Old Peoples Welfare Association on its incorporation as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
- Advising The Stevenson Charitable Trust CIO on the formation and establishment of a high-value grant-making charity and its registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) at the Charity Commission.
- Carrying out a governance review for National Children’s Centre, including a review of and report on the charity’s Articles of Association.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
Schofield Sweeney’s private wealth and succession team is led by Ashley Iredale in Huddersfield, John Feaster in Bradford, and Simon Glazebrook in Leeds. Its workload comprises trust and estate planning, advice regarding family investment companies, estate administration, and stamp duty land tax. The team also offers a fixed-cost trusts compliance service to support trustees.Practice head(s):
Ashley Iredale; John Feaster; Simon Glazebrook
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Watson
Testimonials
‘Trustworthy, clear and far more able than the previous solicitors I was involved with in this complex case.’
‘They were excellent at maintaining contact over a protracted period, were effective in their communication, helped me understand the legal process and made me feel that they understood and supported my position.’
‘They left no stone unturned, and the outcome was better than I had previously imagined.’
‘We have used Schofield Sweeney for many years in all sectors and have always found them to be up to speed, knowledgeable, reliable and value for money.’
‘Efficient, conscientious, pleasant and on the ball.’
‘Complex and high-net-worth private client and trust work.’
‘Duncan Watson is approachable and easy to deal with but giving clear quality advice.’
‘Reasonable on costs. Simon Glazebrook is a font of knowledge and provides great client service.’
Work highlights
Public sector > Education Tier 2
Academy conversions, advice to multi-academy trusts, and assistance with specialised funding and development schemes for schools all form part of the regular workload at Schofield Sweeney. Andrew Hurst is the key senior contact in the Bradford office, with Tina Morris providing ‘exceptional’ support at the associate level. Over in Leeds, employment specialist Simon Shepherd ‘has superior knowledge of the education sector’.Practice head(s):
Andrew Hurst
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm offers a personable service. The relationships mean they feel like an extension of our business rather than just a service we buy into.’
‘Simon Shepherd is exceptional, he has superior knowledge of the education sector. He responds in a timely manner and is always willing to support us with any issues we have.’
‘Tina Morris is always available. She always gives sound advice and her knowledge within the education sector on a range of issues is exceptional.’
‘Strong expertise in the education sector. Efficient in responding to queries, always helpful and supportive.’
‘Tina Morris is excellent and Simon Shepherd is outstanding.’
‘Tina Morris and Simon Shepherd have both been immensely helpful and generous with their time over both routine and complex/difficult matters. They explain legal matters and grey areas very clearly with a calm, reasonable approach and always provide a clear, measured way forward on any matter.’
‘Knowledgeable, experienced, approachable and timely advice and guidance. The legal team feel like our own colleagues rather than an external organisation.’
‘The individuals are personable and feel as if they are a part of our own organisation, rather than an external company.’
Key clients
Carlton Academy Trust
BMAT Education
Wellspring Academy Trust
Moorlands Learning Trust
Attain Academy Partnership
Enhance Academy Trust
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Beckfoot Trust
Oasis Community Learning
Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
The Crossley Heath School Academy Trust Limited
Watergrove Trust
Bronte Academy Trust
St Mary’s Academy Trust
SHARE Multi Academy Trust
Ashville College
Shirley Manor Primary Academy
The Basildon Academies
South Westmorland Multi Academy Trust
The Adnan Jaffery Academy Trust
Peak Edge
AIM Academies Trust
South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
Furness Education Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted with the academy re-brokerage of the PFI Academy University Academy Keighley to join the Trust.
- Assisted with the academy transfer of Castle Carrock School and the conversion of Petteril Bank School, with both joining the Trust during 2022.
- Assisted the Trust with its continued expansion, including the conversion of Vickerstown School, as well as Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School.
Real estate > Environment Tier 2
The Leeds-based team at Schofield Sweeney has a ‘great skill set in environmental law‘ and is well-versed in the contentious and non-contentious aspects of environmental regulatory compliance. The team is also active in advising on flood and environmental risk mitigation and conducts due diligence on the environmental impact of corporate transactional matters. Practice lead Craig Burman, who is a former prosecutor for the Environmental Agency, frequently works with clients facing prosecution on waste, pollution and contamination grounds. For environmental investigations, Ian Anderson is also a key contact.Practice head(s):
Craig Burman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great skill set in environmental law from the perspective of the regulator. Unique in our marketplace.’
‘Craig Burman – has an approach that is easy to get on with, you will have confidence that he has the correct approach.’
‘There’s a genuine desire to get the best result for their client – it really stands out. The way they operate is more like a key business adviser rather than simply just a lawyer, and I do think that’s rare. I deal with a lot of law firms, but Schofield Sweeney genuinely stand out to me, and I have recommended them time and again.’
‘Craig Burman is the main reason I enjoy working with Schofield Sweeney. Craig was originally introduced to me via a mutual client who could not speak highly enough of him, and for good reason! In a particularly difficult situation recently, Craig provided a calm, considered and innovative approach to assist in solving the issue, which was critical to the future of the business. There was no doubt he genuinely cared about the outcome. His responsiveness was outstanding, particularly given the time-sensitive nature of the issue, and he was instrumental in our success in resolving this. Craig is a truly exceptional professional that would be a real asset to any business.’
Key clients
AC Group Limited
AECOM Limited
Armstrongs Aggregates Limited
Colson Transport Limited
Fenwood Estates Limited
Greenhous Group (Holdings) Limited
Hermes Parcelnet Limited
Jeremy Benn Associates Limited
Leeds City Council
Newlay Concrete Limited
Templeborough Biomass Power Plant Limited
The Green Group Limited
Water Management Alliance
Work highlights
- Advised a local flood authority on its powers and rights in respect of a main river flood alleviation scheme and on the interrelationship between powers of flood alleviation and rail network management and operation, together with ongoing flood and drainage issues and natural flood management.
- Advised an internal drainage board on its powers to take enforcement action in relation to non-consented works within its bye-law strip.
- Advised Greenhous Group Limited on environmental liabilities in connection with acquisitions and sales of business assets and contaminated land.
Real estate > Planning Tier 2
Schofield Sweeney‘s planning team is capable of handling a large volume of residential, industrial and retail development mandates, assisting clients with planning agreements and compulsory purchases. The practice is also well versed in advising on appeals against enforcement notices and planning permission refusals in support of commercial development projects. The practice is led by Amanda Beresford, a ‘highly regarded‘ practitioner whose advice on planning appeals and permissions is highly sought by developers and landowners. Beresford is also well-versed in contentious matters and regularly acts for clients in objections to planning proposals.Practice head(s):
Amanda Beresford
Testimonials
‘Amanda Beresford has provided me with excellent planning advice. She has a very professional approach and good communication and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Accessible, friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend them highly for the work carried out on planning appeals.’
‘Amanda Beresford is highly regarded. Always available and able to provide insightful advice where needed.’
Key clients
Broughton Hall Estate
Caddick City Living Limited
Chatsworth House Trust
Earthline Limited
Greenhouse Group
Greggs PLC
Lindum Developments Limited
Moda Living Limited
Mone Brother (Excavations) Limited
Rushbond PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Caddick City Living Limited on a £300m 515-home residential development in Leeds.
- Advised Earthline Limited on a mineral extraction and restoration scheme in Wiltshire.
- Advised Lindum Developments Limited on compulsory purchase issues relating to proposed A46 improvement works in Newark.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 3
Schofield Sweeney advises both individuals and public and private companies on a full spectrum of mandates. It regularly acts alongside the firm’s wider private client practice, lending to the team’s capabilities in handling tax and succession planning matters. David Strachan focuses on acquisitions and disposals, while Martin Sweeney has experience in the financial services and automotive sectors. Steven Millward and Karen Crutchley both have broad corporate and commercial practice, and Lucy Holroyd focuses on corporate transactions.Practice head(s):
Martin Sweeney; David Strachan; Steven Millward; Karen Crutchley
Other key lawyers:
Lucy Holroyd; Jack Venable; Daniel Bisby
Testimonials
‘The practice is large enough to provide advice across all the specialist areas but retains the feel of a smaller firm to clients. They have a diverse workforce who are always approachable and seek to provide guidance and solutions rather than just advice.’
‘David Strachan has a skill in being able to liaise with, and be understood by, all ages and types of client, whilst highly skilled and professional at all times. Lucy Holroyd and Jack Venable have been a tremendous help during the recent business sale, and the former in a previous demerger – always being prompt and precise in their work.’
‘I have always enjoyed working with the team at Schofield Sweeney. They have a real great understanding of us a business. I get one contact who then puts us in touch with all the relevant people in each of their separate departments. They are always helpful, thorough, timely.’
‘Karen Crutchley is amazing in every way. She is someone who is great to work with and understands our business needs. She is on top of legislation and knows her stuff. Deserves the highest accolade.’
‘Unrivalled industry knowledge, a focused approach on what’s important, not sweating the small stuff, speed of execution, responsiveness, always getting back within a few hours, under promising and over delivering and sectoral expertise.’
‘Daniel Bisby is a truly exceptional solicitor. A real specialist in the financial services sector.’
Key clients
Cubico Group Limited
Greenhous Group Ltd
H. Dawson Sons and Company Limited
DFDS Seaways Plc
Catfoss Renewables Limited
Business Growth Fund
C4X Discovery Holdings Plc
EMIS Group Plc
Kettlewell Fuels Limited
Airedale Catering Equipment Group Limited
Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Company Ltd
Elevation Financial Group Limited
Switalskis Solicitors
NDL Software Ltd
AlphaPlus Consultancy Limited
BRI Wealth Management Plc
Work highlights
- Advised BGF on Debt & Equity Investment of £13,750,000.
- Advised EMIS Group plc in respect of the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Edenbridge Healthcare Limited.
- Advising the shareholders of JCH Investments Limited on the disposal of 100% of the issued share capital in the company to the AIM listed, Kingswood Group.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3
Schofield Sweeney advises clients on across the region, nationally, and cross-borders, with clients from the manufacturing, energy, waste, education, healthcare, and professional services sectors. Bradford based James Staton is the head of the team, regularly advising on a range of commercial disputes, including shareholder disputes, intellectual property, and regulatory matters. ‘Intuitive’ senior associate Annie Hui-Gillen is also key. Other notable figures in the team include Simon Lucas and Leo Jones-Rowe.Practice head(s):
James Staton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Contract dispute resolution was calm and reasoned. So reasoned it couldn’t be argued against.’
‘Annie Hui-Gillen: firm yet reasoned and polite. Intuitive.’
Key clients
Sanderson Group plc
M&M Contractors (Europe) Limited
Elevation Financial Group Limited
DFDS Seaways Plc
BW Healthcare Limited
Huggon Associates Limited / Gillian Benning
Closegate Hotel Group
Switalskis Solicitors
Greenhous Group Limited
Wool Room Limited
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of successful appellant, a Californian based businessman, in the Court of Appeal case of LA Micro Group (UK) Ltd & Anor v LA Micro Group, Inc & Ors [2021] EWCA Civ 1429, following a hearing in July 2021.
- Acting for the two sellers of a popular online vehicle trading business in defending a £4million claim commenced by their former business partner alleging that the Defendants were guilty of intimidation, causing loss by unlawful means and conspiracy to injure the Claimant by unlawful means during his time as their fellow shareholder which illegitimately pressured the Claimant into selling his shareholding to the Defendants at a supressed value in 2016.
- Acting for one of the Defendants in a £284 million civil fraud claim from the administrators of the Arena group of companies.
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 3
The secured real estate and banking team at Schofield Sweeney in Bradford is led by ‘exceptional practitioner’ Manjit Virdee , who is particularly noted for his acquisition finance expertise. The team also has specialisms in development funding and asset-based lending work. Clients range from clearing banks, to challenger banks, to private equity fund specialists.Practice head(s):
Manjit Virdee
Other key lawyers:
Karen Crutchley; Pardeep Khela
Testimonials
‘Very collaborative in approach, look to not only promote their business but share knowledge at networking lunches/presentations etc. Always available and good lines of open communication.’
‘Manjit Virdee – very approachable with incredible knowledge. Also, incredibly well connected and good at introducing people both internally and externally.’
‘The team is very much client driven and holds the client at the heart of what they do in delivering their legal services and products. Their billing is very fair and they do not deviate on fixed price quotes which is excellent from a client perspective.’
‘An excellent firm.’
‘Manjit Virdee is an exceptional practitioner at the firm. He delivers excellent service at all times, communicates clearly and I hold him in a very high regard. He goes the “extra mile” for his clients and always delivers on transactions/tight deadlines. He personifies the values of his firm and leads by example. He’s an asset to the legal profession.’
Key clients
Santander UK PLC
HSBC Bank UK PLC
Oak North Bank PLC
Shawbrook Bank Limited
United Trust Bank Limited
Recognise Bank
Key Fund Investments
National Westminster Bank PLC
Fresh Thinking Capital Limited
Svenka Handelsbanken
Lloyds Bank PLC
Rotary Development Limited
Avtar Properties
Work highlights
- Assisting United Trust Bank with the provision of significant development funding to a borrower for a site in Derbyshire.
- Advising Santander and Cyber Duck on the purchase of an Elstree property.
- Assisted various lenders with checking loan agreements and securitisation documents prior to submission to recoveries teams.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
Led by the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Richard Fergusson, the restructuring and insolvency team at Schofield Sweeney in Leeds primarily carries out work for insolvency practitioners. The group also has experience regarding insolvency litigation, and regularly provides advice to corporates and their boards in collaboration with the firm’s corporate department. Zoe Oates has notable experience regarding property and personal insolvency.Practice head(s):
Richard Fergusson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, efficient and supportive. Commercial and friendly.’
‘Richard Fergusson – extremely knowledgeable, affable, commercial and experienced.’
‘Always on the ball and quick to respond.’
‘Great team, able to assist well with all aspects of restructuring and insolvency both contentious and non-contentious. Willing to go the extra meal.’
‘Richard Fergusson and Zoe Oates are my main contacts within the firm – both are excellent and are always on the ball with a solution to any problem.’
Key clients
Armstrong Watson LLP
Begbies Traynor Group
FRP Advisory LLP
Interpath
Walker Singleton
Manolete Partners Plc
Springfields LLP
DL Partnership
Poppleton & Appleby
DSI Insolvency
Mazars
Booth & Co
Re10 (Finance) Limited
Beevers & Struthers
Work highlights
- Advised the board and subsequently Neil Morley and Howard Smith of Interpath on the disposal of the business of Advanced Digital Innovation (UK) to a Canadian aggregator in the healthcare sector.
- Advised Charles Brook of Poppleton & Appleby, as liquidator of Bower & Child, on all aspects of its insolvency and subsequent realisation of its assets and mitigation of claims.
- Advised Paul Whitwam of FRP on the pre-packaged administration sale of recruitment business Three Way Solutions.
Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Energy and projects Tier 3
The cross-practice team at Schofield Sweeney focuses on the energy and renewables space, with notable knowledge of issues relating to small energy sites; the group also handles site assembly matters, litigation and contractual issues. Clients span developers, landowners and contractors at a regional and national level. Development and regeneration specialist Adam Hastie leads the practice, which also benefits from the expertise of commercial expert Karen Crutchley.Practice head(s):
Adam Hastie
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Snetterton Renewable Power Limited
Forepower Limited
Raleigh Power Limited
Catfoss Renewables Limited
Seamer Power Limited
Doncaster Power (10MW) Limited
Aqua consultants Limited / Lanes Farm Energy Limited
Mark Falshaw
Woodyfuel
Harmony Energy Limited
Tetragen (Knapton) (UK) Limited
Graphite Resources Limited
Harmony Energy Income Trust PLC
Work highlights
- Advising Harmony Energy Limited on progressing a portfolio bundle of battery storage and solar ground array projects.
- Acted on the £5m+ refinances of a 10MW battery energy storage scheme for Doncaster Power.
- Helping a large renewable operator with its development of a £480m 69MW energy from waste project near Northwich in Cheshire.
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3
Schofield Sweeney delivers strong advice on development and real estate finance matters to clients in the banking, development, investment and energy sectors. The team has particular experience handling portfolio financing and development funding work, and it frequently advises on such matters in connection with residential development projects and renewable energy schemes. The team is led by the Bradford-based duo of development expert Darren Birkinshaw and property finance lawyer Manjit Virdee. Bradford is also home to Farooq Zar, whose experience with Islamic property finance expands the firm’s international offering. Leeds-based lawyers Richard Innes, Adam Hastie and Rob Hayes are also recommended.Practice head(s):
Darren Birkinshaw; Manjit Virdee
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Farooq Zar is a hard-working member of the team, he is diligent, has a keen attention for detail and deals constructively and politely with the other side’s solicitors. We are copied into correspondence, so we are aware how Farooq has handled contentious issues diplomatically, fairly and with respect to all involved in the commercial property transactions we have so far completed and are in the process of completing.’
‘The team are attentive to detail and very proactive.’
‘We deal with several people from Schofield Sweeney, and they all have the same ethos of putting the client first and delivering the right advice at the right time.’
‘The team is very much customer-driven and holds the client at the heart of what they do in delivering their legal services and products. An excellent firm across all their departments.’
‘Manjit Virdee is an exceptional Partner at the firm. He delivers excellent service at all times, communicates clearly, and I hold him in a very high regard. He goes the “extra mile” for his clients and always delivers on transactions/tight deadlines. He personifies the values of his firm and leads by example. It is evident that he works hard on ensuring the culture of the firm is very positive and always client centric. He’s an asset to the legal profession.’
Key clients
Barclay Firth Limited
Company Shop Ltd
Countrylarge
Cubico (UK) Limited
Evri
Fenwood Estates Limited
Frank Marshall Group of Companies
GT3
Greenhaus Group
HSBC Bank PLC
Mayfair Group of Companies
Oak North Bank PLC
One Medical Group
Park Lane Group of Companies
Recognise Bank
Regal Food Ltd
Santander UK PLC
Shearings Group
Sulzer Electro Mechanical Services (UK) Limited
The Trafford Centre Limited
YPP Lettings & Management Co Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for United Trust Bank plc on its provision of significant development funding to a borrower for part of a site formerly belonging to Leeds Girls Grammar School.
- Acted for High Point Estates Limited and associated companies in connection with a portfolio refinancing of the company’s existing circa £58m facility with NatWest.
- Acted for Lambert’s Yard Estates Limited in connection with a development finance transaction, negotiating and finalising a complex facility agreement along with the associated security documentation for a high-value mixed use scheme.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
The property litigation team at Schofield Sweeney advises a client roster, which includes Evri/Hermes and The Trafford Centre, on contentious asset management issues, including contested lease renewals and dilapidation claims. The practice has also acted in high-value telecoms disputes and contentious transactions to support high-value developments and acquisitions, and works with a number of clients in the waste and renewables sectors. The practice is led by Richard Jobes, who advises on a wide range of commercial property disputes and has extensive experience in break option disputes and leasing matters.Practice head(s):
Richard Jobes
Testimonials
‘Very helpful and contactable every time.’
‘Richard Jobes’ professionalism and knowledge are second to none .’
‘The quality of the individuals which make up the team is second to none. Vast experience across all teams. Up for the fight when needed. Clients love them.’
‘Richard Jobes is a very safe pair of hands. Happy to go toe-to-toe with big City firms and win. Excellent communicator.’
‘The team understands the need for brevity and a commercial approach and has an understanding of how retail clients need to interact with one and other. The team at Schofield Sweeney provides sensible advice on resolving issues and tries to avoid contested litigation at all costs.’
‘Richard Jobes is a sensible, pragmatic, and concise property litigation lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with Richard Jobes at Schofield Sweeney for around a year and his expertise in the field is excellent. I’ve quickly come to trust Richard and his style. His attention to detail and ability to navigate complex legal issues are truly impressive, and he has always been responsive and proactive in his approach. In addition to his legal acumen, Richard is a pleasure to work with. He is approachable, personable, and has a great sense of humour. His ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to his work.’
Key clients
Evri/Hermes
Games Workshop Limited
Greenhous Group Limited
High Point Estates Limited
Switalskis Solicitors Limited
The Trafford Centre
YPP Lettings & Management
Work highlights
- Advised Evri on the management of its expanding property estate.
- Acted for The Trafford Centre on various complex asset management cases.
- Assisted YPP Lettings & Management Co Ltd. on complex telecoms matters.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 3
Schofield Sweeney acts for registered providers of social housing as well as real estate funds and fields a team capable of advising on high-value acquisitions and disposals as well as development schemes. The group is led by the Bradford-based Manjit Virdee, who has experience handling the financing aspects of large social housing projects. Another name to note is Pardeep Khela, who specialises in transactional matters.Practice head(s):
Manjit Virdee
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Chartford Housing Limited
Horton Housing Association
Quality Social Housing
Wakefield District Housing
Work highlights
- Acted for Quality Social Housing on the sale of over 30 social housing units in the West Yorkshire and Southern Regions.
- Acted on the acquisition of flats in the course of a construction project for Chartford Housing Limited in Shipley.
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
Schofield Sweeney provides a strong offering in contentious work, but also has capabilities in respect of restructurings, redundancies, and advisory work. Education is a particular sector focus for the firm, but healthcare, housing, and immigration are also spaces of activity. Simon Shepherd heads the Leeds-based practice and specialises in education, as does the newly promoted Annie Gray, while John Robinson focusses on corporate clients.Practice head(s):
Simon Shepherd
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Warm and friendly staff with considerable expertise and sector knowledge. Partners are very available and respond promptly to any enquiry. Staff go above and beyond to support, often with a pragmatism and solution-focused approach that is refreshing in this sector.’
‘Our support package represents exceptional value for money in the way that it is highly tailored to our specific needs and context. The firm often runs events which are highly informative and provide excellent networking opportunities.‘
‘Simon Shepherd is highly efficient, with nuanced understanding of the context of our organisation; he has lots of integrity but with a lightness of touch and a sense of humour that makes him a pleasure to work with.’
‘The team are knowledgeable, personable, approachable, and reliable.’
‘The legal team feel part of our own organisation.’
‘Large firm with the quality and personal service of a provincial firm.’
‘Commercially astute and pragmatic. Professional and engaging. Speed of response is excellent.’
Key clients
GMI Construction Group PLC
Wakefield and District Housing Limited
DMC Mining Services (UK) Limited
Wellspring Academy Trust
Carlton Academy Trust
Greenhous Group Limited
Alpek Polyester UK Ltd
Eville & Jones (GB) Ltd
Barca Leeds
Torque Retail Services Ltd
TOG24
McCarthy’s Removals and Storage Ltd
Barwick Bathroom Distribution LLP
Techbuyer Limited
Real estate > Construction Tier 4
Schofield Sweeney‘s construction team advises on construction documentation, appointments and procurement processes for a roster of developers, contractors and investors engaged in commercial and residential projects. Practice head Andrew Hurst, who is based in Bradford, is a specialist for non-contentious work and handles contracts for a number of logistics sites and prime residential developments. Leeds-based consultant Richard Stockdale is a key contact for contentious work and advises on a number of multi-party contract disputes.Practice head(s):
Andrew Hurst
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aspen Hotels Limited
Bramall Properties
Evri
Fenwood Estates Limited
HD 1 Living Limited
Hickton Quality Control Ltd
MAC Construction
Marrtree
Oak Trust
Oakapple
YPP/Century Construction Limited
Zarafa Group
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 4
Schofield Sweeney fields a solid offering in the IT and telecoms area, working with IT providers and fintech clients to advise on licensing matters and service arrangements in connection with the provision of services. In the licensing space, the team frequently assists with drafting terms and conditions and is also active on risk mitigation. Practice head Karen Crutchley is a key contact for software contractors and consultants and handles an array of e-commerce and data protection mandates.Practice head(s):
Karen Crutchley
Work highlights
- Acted for a provider of software to the financial services industry in drafting its standard terms which it will roll out to all customers.
- Acted for a provider of software that generates and manipulates computer generated images on its standard terms of sale to customers.
- Acted for a provider of operating and maintenance services to the renewable energy sector on the terms upon which it was appointed as a reseller of software.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
Schofield Sweeney > Firm Profile
The firm: Schofield Sweeney is a leading commercial law firm offering clear, pragmatic and high-quality legal services. Established in 1998, it quickly earned a strong reputation for its innovative and results-driven approach, investing time in getting to know a client’s business and its people so that advice and solutions can be tailored to meet their commercial needs. Its team of experts offers clear thinking and provides sound commercial advice.
Schofield Sweeney operates a partner-led approach, which means clients have direct access to highly regarded lawyers who have the knowledge and expertise to deal with their case. The firm believes in stability and continuity, providing a no-nonsense, hands-on service and limiting the use of legal jargon to ensure it builds good working relationships with clients.
Schofield Sweeney attracts high-calibre lawyers from large national and/or global practices, which means clients have access to the very best expertise at a realistic cost. Its teams are passionate about what they do and adhere to the highest professional standards. The firm invests in its people through ongoing training and development, so specialists are up-to-date with the latest market developments, trends and changes in legislation.
Types of work undertaken
Commercial property: development work, with a strong regeneration focus; site assembly, including options, overage and infrastructure agreements; PFI and health care sector land transactions; secured lending and development finance matters; portfolio security; commercial landlord and tenant transactions; freehold and leasehold acquisitions; business relocations and disposals for traders and investors; dispute resolution.
Construction and engineering: arbitration; bonds and guarantees; contracts and agreements; dispute resolution; collateral warranties; procurement routes.
Corporate and commercial: acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and reconstructions/demergers; forms of equity and debt financing; corporate finance transactions; general company and commercial matters; shareholder and partnership issues; contracting structures and public/private company regulation and compliance; governance and contractual matters; in-house training.
Dispute resolution: shareholder and partnership disputes; contract disputes; professional negligence actions; construction and building disputes; intellectual property infringement; regulatory matters; alcohol and entertainment licence applications.
Education: academy conversions from consultation through to academy order; staff transfer, TUPE and pension issues; corporate governance and company secretarial matters; land, property and asset transfer; advising on the financial and funding implications of academies; advising on financial and accounting systems services, including the selection of auditors, project management, commercial agreements, procurement and contracting post-conversion; ongoing legal and HR advice; procurement and governance services; appeals and admissions; design and build contracts post-conversion for academies previously built under PFI or BSF.
Employment: everyday HR/employment law support; advising on misconduct, poor performance and sickness absence issues; disciplinary and grievance procedures; discrimination claims; equal pay; drafting employment contracts and employee handbooks; TUPE; redundancies, reorganisations and changing terms and conditions of employment; restrictive covenants; representation at employment tribunals, employment appeal tribunals and county court; unfair dismissal; whistleblowing.
Environmental and regulatory: permit compliance; liability for contamination, pollution and waste; environmental licensing; disputes; flooding adn drainage; energy and renewables; shotguns, firearms, taxi, alcohol and entertainment licensing; health and safety regulations; local authority regulations; RSPCA and animal welfare; business crime; money laundering.
Energy and renewables: acquisitions and sales; construction; dispute resolution; due diligence; funding; land assembly; joint ventures; planning; tax.
Private client: will drafting; inheritance tax and succession planning; advice on trusts; trust administration; LPA; administration of estates; residential conveyancing. The firm now has the largest private client team in the region.
Projects: projects and developments involving public, private and third-sector entities; refinancing existing projects and their sale and purchase; vires and governance issues; procurement, state aid and competition law; commercial contracts; funding and corporate finance; ICT and intellectual property.
Property litigation: opposed and unopposed lease renewals under the 1954 Act; disputes in relation to commercial leases, including the exercise of break rights and repairing obligations; dilapidation claims; property related insolvency; easement disputes, rights of way and wayleaves; compensation claims; negligence against solicitors and surveyors relating to property work.
Restructuring and banking: reorganisation of businesses; financial restructuring and turnaround, administrations, liquidations, administrative receiverships, fixed charge receiverships and personal insolvency; company, individual and partnership voluntary arrangements; antecedent transactions, business and asset realisation; director disqualification; director’s duties; security documentation; terms and conditions; seeking to recover monies.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate | Chris Schofield | ||
Corporate | Martin Sweeney | ||
Commercial property | Darren Birkinshaw | ||
Commercial Property | Manjit Virdee | ||
Commercial property | Richard Innes | ||
Commercial property | Adam Hastie | ||
Commercial property | Rob Hayes | ||
Commercial property | Farooq Zar | ||
Commercial property | Basharat Ali | ||
Commercial Property | Tom Jackson | ||
Commercial property | Amraj Boparai | ||
Commercial property | Simon Hellewell | ||
Commercial | Karen Crutchley | ||
Corporate | David Strachan | ||
Corporate | Steven Millward | ||
Corporate | Angela Cashin | ||
Corporate | Daniel Bisby | ||
Corporate | Rob Kelly | ||
Corporate | Michael Cantwell | ||
Dispute resolution | Leo Jones-Rowe | ||
Dispute resolution | James Staton | ||
Dispute resolution | Richard Stockdale | ||
Dispute resolution | James Wood | ||
Dispute resolution | Simon Lucas | ||
Education | Andrew Hurst | ||
Employment | Simon Shepherd | ||
Employment | John Robinson | ||
Environmental and Regulatory | Craig Burman | ||
Environmental and Regulatory | Ian Anderson | ||
Planning | Amanda Beresford | ||
Private client | John Feaster | ||
Private client | Ashley Iredale | ||
Private client | Kanika Sohpal | ||
Private client | Simon Glazebrook | ||
Private client | Rachael Brook | ||
Property litigation, planning | Richard Jobes | ||
Restructuring and Insolvency | Amar Rashid | ||
Restructuring and Insolvency | Richard Fergusson | ||
Restructuring and Insolvency | Zoe Oates | ||
Managing partner | Graham Sweeney | ||
Contentious probate | Nazia Nawaz |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Ian Anderson | Partner | View Profile | |
Amanda Beresford | Partner Amanda is head of planning. A qualified planner, as well as… | View Profile | |
Daniel Bisby | Partner | View Profile | |
Craig Burman | Partner | View Profile | |
Michael Cantwell | Partner | View Profile | |
Karen Crutchley | Partner | View Profile | |
Richard Fergusson | Richard is a solicitor, licensed Insolvency Practitioner and a fellow of the Association… | View Profile | |
Simon Glazebrook | Partner | View Profile | |
Annie Gray | Partner | View Profile | |
Adam Hastie | Adam is a Partner in the real estate department and has experience… | View Profile | |
Rob Hayes | Rob undertakes all aspects of commercial property transactions, acting for both property… | View Profile | |
Simon Hellewell | Partner | View Profile | |
Lucy Holroyd | Director | View Profile | |
Andy Howard | Chartered legal executive | View Profile | |
Annie Hui-Gillen | Director | View Profile | |
Richard Innes | Partner | View Profile | |
Tom Jackson | Partner | View Profile | |
Richard Jobes | Partner | View Profile | |
Leo Jones-Rowe | Leo is a partner in the Dispute Resolution team. He advises on… | View Profile | |
Simon Lucas | Partner | View Profile | |
Tina Morris | Associate | View Profile | |
Zoe Oates | Partner | View Profile | |
John Robinson | Partner | View Profile | |
Chris Schofield | Firm’s founder and Senior Partner. Practice area extends to Business sales and… | View Profile | |
Simon Shepherd | Partner Simon undertakes all types of employment law work, primarily acting for… | View Profile | |
Richard Stockdale | Partner in the dispute resolution team. Extensive experience of commercial construction, professional… | View Profile | |
David Strachan | David’s practice largely comprises acquisitions and disposals of businesses, fundraising activities, joint… | View Profile | |
James Wood | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 39 Number of other UK fee-earners : 70Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Helen Horsman
COMPANY/FIRM: The Cellar Trust
TESTIMONIAL: As a busy charity, delivering services 365 days a year, we employ staff in various roles who are required to work multiple shift patterns, across numerous sites, including hospitals. Schofield Sweeney operate as an invaluable part of our HR team, giving sensible and straight forward advice. Simon Shepherd and the employment team have always been accessible and responsive, offering guidance on a range of queries from vaccinations to TUPE advice. Their support is invaluable.
CLIENT: Raj Handa
COMPANY/FIRM: Home Discount
TESTIMONIAL: The team provide an invaluable one-stop legal service and everyone we have dealt with has been incredibly efficient, and more importantly, easy to deal with.
CLIENT: Richard Thewlis
COMPANY/FIRM: Huddersfield Giants
TESTIMONIAL: Schofield Sweeney is at the end of the phone and act immediately when we need them which is vital to our business.
CLIENT: Sarah-Jane Murray
COMPANY/FIRM: Unorthobox
TESTIMONIAL: Schofield Sweeney were recommended to us by a business associate. We had been experiencing a particularly challenging and unexpected legal dispute. As a non-profit organisation we had no legal expertise and no budget for legal support. Everyone we spoke to at Schofield Sweeney was so friendly, helpful and supportive which made a stressful situation much easier to deal with. They went above and beyond to assist us and we can’t thank them enough.
CLIENT: Simon Horniblow
COMPANY/FIRM: Campuslife
TESTIMONIAL: Everyone that I’ve dealt with at Schofield Sweeney has been very approachable, personable and helpful.
CLIENT: Daniel Styler
COMPANY/FIRM: Barclays
TESTIMONIAL: I have always found the team to be very pro-active and engaging, liaising closely with all parties to ensure matters are progressed in a quick and time-efficient manner.
CLIENT: Paul Brown
COMPANY/FIRM: Empirica Investments
TESTIMONIAL: When we started our wind turbine development work several years ago we needed a lawyer who could combine entrepreneurial flexibility with experienced professionalism. Adam Hastie delivers this. We have confidence in his technical rigor but he is more than just an efficient processor. He understands what influences the people we deal with and what are the key elements to our deals. His approach is always tailored towards achieving our overall goal.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Helen Horsman
COMPANY/FIRM: The Cellar Trust
TESTIMONIAL: As a busy charity, delivering services 365 days a year, we employ staff in various roles who are required to work multiple shift patterns, across numerous sites, including hospitals. Schofield Sweeney operate as an invaluable part of our HR team, giving sensible and straight forward advice. Simon Shepherd and the employment team have always been accessible and responsive, offering guidance on a range of queries from vaccinations to TUPE advice. Their support is invaluable.
CLIENT: Raj Handa
COMPANY/FIRM: Home Discount
TESTIMONIAL: The team provide an invaluable one-stop legal service and everyone we have dealt with has been incredibly efficient, and more importantly, easy to deal with.
CLIENT: Richard Thewlis
COMPANY/FIRM: Huddersfield Giants
TESTIMONIAL: Schofield Sweeney is at the end of the phone and act immediately when we need them which is vital to our business.
CLIENT: Sarah-Jane Murray
COMPANY/FIRM: Unorthobox
TESTIMONIAL: Schofield Sweeney were recommended to us by a business associate. We had been experiencing a particularly challenging and unexpected legal dispute. As a non-profit organisation we had no legal expertise and no budget for legal support. Everyone we spoke to at Schofield Sweeney was so friendly, helpful and supportive which made a stressful situation much easier to deal with. They went above and beyond to assist us and we can’t thank them enough.
CLIENT: Simon Horniblow
COMPANY/FIRM: Campuslife
TESTIMONIAL: Everyone that I’ve dealt with at Schofield Sweeney has been very approachable, personable and helpful.
CLIENT: Daniel Styler
COMPANY/FIRM: Barclays
TESTIMONIAL: I have always found the team to be very pro-active and engaging, liaising closely with all parties to ensure matters are progressed in a quick and time-efficient manner.
CLIENT: Paul Brown
COMPANY/FIRM: Empirica Investments
TESTIMONIAL: When we started our wind turbine development work several years ago we needed a lawyer who could combine entrepreneurial flexibility with experienced professionalism. Adam Hastie delivers this. We have confidence in his technical rigor but he is more than just an efficient processor. He understands what influences the people we deal with and what are the key elements to our deals. His approach is always tailored towards achieving our overall goal.
Diversity
Schofield Sweeney strongly believes in the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion both within the firm and externally to our clients and the local communities in which we work. Our culture and our office working environment allows everyone to have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their career ambitions, free from discrimination or harassment.
Decisions about work and promotions, are based on merit, and our policies and procedures embed our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We actively promote and engage diversity in our behaviour, communication, marketing, and events that we host or attend.
Through having a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, we are better able to understand the needs of our clients, which means that we can relate more easily to their circumstances.
We were delighted to win the FB Hero award for ‘Diversity, Inclusion & Equality 2022’ which celebrates and honours the initiatives that the firm has put in place to be counted as a workplace which welcomes all forms of diversity. We believe that our culture allows colleagues to be themselves, and we passionately feel that everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work.
Alongside our commitment to diversity is our pledge to wellbeing. It is vital that our colleagues feel they have the support and encouragement at work to enable them to give their best and to be happy in the job that they do. Our benefits package was created with wellbeing in mind, and a dedicated Wellbeing Group, made up of colleagues at all levels from across the firm, helps maintain our focus on this area.
We also want our colleagues to have a great work-life balance and our Hybrid Working policy is designed specifically to achieve this. When we are all feeling physically and mentally strong, happy, and engaged, we feel better and give our clients the best service we can.
Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) committee is also there to actively encourage our colleagues, their families, and friends to participate in charitable work. Whether through volunteering, donations, or fundraising events, we ensure a program of activity every year to benefit our charity of the year and wider charities, and this activity is open to all.
More than law – charitable, social and environmental – Schofield Sweeney
More than law – inclusivity and wellbeing – Schofield Sweeney
Diversity
Schofield Sweeney strongly believes in the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion both within the firm and externally to our clients and the local communities in which we work. Our culture and our office working environment allows everyone to have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their career ambitions, free from discrimination or harassment.
Decisions about work and promotions, are based on merit, and our policies and procedures embed our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We actively promote and engage diversity in our behaviour, communication, marketing, and events that we host or attend.
Through having a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, we are better able to understand the needs of our clients, which means that we can relate more easily to their circumstances.
We were delighted to win the FB Hero award for ‘Diversity, Inclusion & Equality 2022’ which celebrates and honours the initiatives that the firm has put in place to be counted as a workplace which welcomes all forms of diversity. We believe that our culture allows colleagues to be themselves, and we passionately feel that everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work.
Alongside our commitment to diversity is our pledge to wellbeing. It is vital that our colleagues feel they have the support and encouragement at work to enable them to give their best and to be happy in the job that they do. Our benefits package was created with wellbeing in mind, and a dedicated Wellbeing Group, made up of colleagues at all levels from across the firm, helps maintain our focus on this area.
We also want our colleagues to have a great work-life balance and our Hybrid Working policy is designed specifically to achieve this. When we are all feeling physically and mentally strong, happy, and engaged, we feel better and give our clients the best service we can.
Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) committee is also there to actively encourage our colleagues, their families, and friends to participate in charitable work. Whether through volunteering, donations, or fundraising events, we ensure a program of activity every year to benefit our charity of the year and wider charities, and this activity is open to all.
More than law – charitable, social and environmental – Schofield Sweeney More than law – inclusivity and wellbeing – Schofield Sweeney
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Public sector > Education
- Real estate > Environment
- Real estate > Planning
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Projects, energy and natural resources (including PFI) > Energy and projects
- Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Real estate > Social housing