Schofield Sweeney > Huddersfield, England > Firm Profile

Schofield Sweeney
30 MARKET STREET
HUDDERSFIELD
HD1 2HG
England

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 Shepherdhas 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

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 practitionerManjit 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 knowledgeableRichard 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) > Infrastructure and energy 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

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

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 & 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 & 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 & 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.

 

Department Name Email 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
Photo Name Position Profile
Basharat Ali photo Basharat Ali Partner
Angela  Cashin photo Angela Cashin Partner
Ashley Iredale photo Mr Ashley Iredale Ashley advises on capital tax planning in relation to Wills, Probate, Trusts…
Nazia  Nawaz photo Nazia Nawaz Partner
Number of UK partners : 39
Number of other UK fee-earners : 70

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: 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.


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


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