We’re extremely proud to see our Sheffield and Leeds teams recently raise a rank to tier one status in the latest Legal 500 rankings.

Ranking firms across all areas of the legal industry, the Legal 500 Guide is used as a key reference tool for those buying legal services, recognising the achievements of firms and their lawyers over the previous 12 months.

Leeds team rankings

Our Leeds team started in 2018, less than five years ago, and in that time we’ve seen extensive growth. Having started with just one solicitor, we now have 13 experts specialising in all areas of private client law. From advising business owners on succession planning and helping vulnerable clients plan for later life, to assisting with cross border estates, and supporting clients on an international scale. Our team are able to rely on their breadth of knowledge to get the very best outcome for clients.

Within the last 12 months, the team have also been recognised in Chambers in band two for the first time, and Spears 500. Tax, Trust & Estates expert, Andrea Jones was personally noted for exceptional work in her field, while Wills, Trust & Estate Planning expert Kat Wainman was recognised as a rising star tax lawyer for 2022.

Here’s what the rankings have to say:

‘Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Always open to discuss any potential clients and how they may be able to help them. If someone in the team can’t help with the specific query, they always bring someone in from the relevant team to help out, who can advise on the specifics.’

‘The team provides a personal service, particularly Andrea Jones.’

‘Hollie Marcham has great energy and passion.’

‘I recommend Katherine Wainman for technical trust matters and Thomas Wainman to clients who have business interests.’

‘I have worked with Elizabeth Pearson and rate her highly for knowledge, speed of response and being very pleasant and helpful at all times.’

‘All are excellent technically and are also personable. I have also been a member of the STEP Yorkshire committee with Paula Myers and Andrea Jones and have been impressed by them. I would have no hesitation in referring clients to them.’

Sheffield team rankings

Our Sheffield team was also praised in the recent rankings. We’re proud to say our team was recognised for being 'technically excellent and also very personable'. Having also grown to 28 experts in 2022, our multi-disciplinary team are able to cover all areas of private client work including tax and trust compliance.

We’re very proud to have been recognised nationally for the work we do with charity partnerships. Working with other institutions offering private client services to their customers, we’re able to help those we may not have reached directly. As part of this, each year we’ve raised £millions in legacy pledges for associated charities through our dedicated Will writing service.

Here’s what the rankings have to say about our Sheffield team:

‘Irwin Mitchell are the go-to firm in South Yorkshire. The level of polish and precision in their management of cases is unrivalled. They have a team of talented, hard-working professionals who keep the standards as consistently high as they have always been. They also have the benefit of access to departments dealing in other areas of law.’

‘We found both Gillian Coverley and Chris Ellison so very helpful.’

‘Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Always open to discuss any potential clients and how they may be able to help them. If someone in the team can’t help with the specific query, they always bring someone in from the relevant team to help out, who can advise on the specifics.’

Ongoing recognition

We’re incredibly proud of the ongoing dedication shown from our teams across Yorkshire. The raised rank in Legal 500, and Chambers is testament to the work they do. Other recent achievements include:

• Nominations for Private Client team of the year for the past five consecutive years at the Yorkshire legal awards
• Part of national team that won private client team of the year at the 15th annual STEP awards
• STEP Platinum employer partner – a global professional body recognising experts in their field
• Shortlisted for private client team of the year at the British Wills and probate awards 2022.

As well as working hard for clients, we also work hard for our local communities in Yorkshire, raising money for our local charities. Most recently our Sheffield team came together early in September to complete a 15 mile walk, raising £10,000 for The Trussell Trust, supporting local foodbanks and the incredible work they do.

Expert Opinion

"Receiving this award is a great honour and becoming an honorary Fellow in Law is something I’m very proud of. In addition to expressing my gratitude to the University of East London, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone I’ve represented over the years who have bravely reported discriminatory behaviour or a wrongdoing by their employer. It is important that victims continue to voice their concerns without fear of repercussions and are able to achieve justice.” Shah Qureshi - Partner