People: Rollits appoints leading employment specialist; Further hires for Clarion; and more

Law firm Rollits has appointed employment law specialist Caroline Neadley.

She joins Rollits from Humberside Police and brings with her over 15 years’ experience in both the public and private sector.

Neadley will use her expertise to advise business clients on employment legislation, tribunal claims and advocacy, and provide training to help them manage a multitude of legal issues in the workplace.

In her most recent role as an employment law specialist within Humberside Police’s legal department, she advised chief constables and acted as deputy force solicitor. She formed part of a 10-strong team of employment lawyers covering the Humber region and South Yorkshire, following the force’s collaboration with South Yorkshire Police.

Ed Jenneson, head of Rollits’ employment team, said: “To recruit someone of Caroline’s calibre is a real coup for Rollits and will certainly strengthen our credentials in the field of employment law.

“Caroline has a first-rate reputation both regionally and nationally, and brings years of experience to our department. Caroline will undoubtedly provide excellent service to our clients and contribute to further growth in this area of our business.”
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Kanika Sohpal and Alice Leslie are the latest lawyers to join Clarion’s expanding private client practice in Leeds.

Sohpal takes up the position of legal director with Clarion having spent 13 years in the private client team at Armitage Sykes and another year with Schofield Sweeney following its merger with the firm.

Clarion has appointed Leslie as an associate solicitor in the private client team.  She joins from Gordons where she spent two years working in the private client practice after completing her training contract with the firm.

In her new role, she will assist in drafting wills, dealing with the drafting, registration and administration of Lasting Powers of Attorney, and assisting with advising high net worth individuals about their wills and estate planning.

Viv Wild, partner and head of Clarion’s private client practice, said: “With our reputation for providing expert advice on both business and personal wealth protection and estate planning, demand for our integrated services is continuing to grow.

“Kanika and Alice have a strong track record in private client work and will be a welcome boost to the team. Both lawyers share our client-focussed approach, recognising the need for sensitivity when dealing with complex and sometimes emotional matters.”

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NatWest has welcomed Lorna Blackett as entrepreneur development manager supporting Leeds and Yorkshire.

In her new role, she will be supporting entrepreneurs in and around the region as they embark on achieving their business aspirations while also creating a centre for enterprise excellence at the Entrepreneurial Spark Powered By NatWest hub.

Her role will involve developing relationships within the Leeds-business network and developing new contacts across the region.

She said: “I’m really excited about new role as an entrepreneurial development manager and welcome the opportunity to help build the enterprise community in Leeds. Our partnership with Entrepreneurial Spark has been a tremendous success.  Since launching in 2015, the Leeds hub has welcomed more than 250 entrepreneurs through its doors and contributed more than £5m of investment for the local economy, and I look forward to supporting all of our entrepreneurs in achieving their enterprise ambitions.”