People: Partner promotions at law firm; Corporate practice hires development director; Clarion boosts family law team; and more

Law firm Gordons has promoted the head of its food and drink sector team to partner.

Mark Jones joined the firm straight from law school 11 years ago and has led its food and drink sector service for the past three years.

During his time as sector lead he has been instrumental in winning new business and establishing Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) training courses for food retailers and suppliers.

A specialist dispute resolution lawyer, his reputation as a sector expert is such that he regularly features in national and regional media commenting on topical issues and events impacting food and drink businesses.

Jones said: “Gordons is in a unique position to take advantage of how the market is developing and is rapidly becoming a leading firm in retail, grocery and supply chain. My knowledge and skill set fits perfectly with that vision. It is an exciting time to be a partner.”

Gordons managing partner, Paul Ayre, said: “Mark has consistently proven himself to be a top performer. He establishes strong relationships with clients due to his openness and legal excellence, and quickly becomes a trusted adviser.

“Mark is a deserved addition to our partnership. We are sure he will continue on the upward trajectory that he has set himself by leading our food and drink sector work.”

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Petena Carroll is the latest family lawyer to join Clarion’s family law practice.  She takes up the role of senior associate.

Before qualifying as a solicitor, Carroll worked as a police officer for ten years with West Yorkshire Police.

An experienced family and matrimonial solicitor, she has more than 12 years’ experience. Practising in all areas of private matters, she has particular expertise in the financial aspects of separation of both married and unmarried couples.

Justine Osmotherley, partner and head of the family law team at Clarion, said: “With her valuable life experience working as a police officer, together with her strong track record as a family and matrimonial lawyer, Petena will bring some great skills to the team.”

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Squire Patton Boggs has announced the appointment of Stephen Foster, who has joined the firm as development director in the Leeds Corporate Practice.

Foster, who was previously at international accountants Mazars, will work with the firm’s Corporate team in Leeds, with responsibility for developing new and existing client relationships.

Hannah Kendrick, head of the Leeds Corporate team, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Stephen to the firm. Stephen is highly regarded with well-established corporate relationships across Yorkshire. His insight and experience will help us continue to develop and build our connections with existing clients and targets.”

Foster added: “I have known and admired the Squire Patton Boggs Corporate team for a number of years and am excited to join one of the market’s leading practices, working with a team of lawyers with entrepreneurial drive and ambition that matches my own. I am very much looking forward to playing a part in its future success.”

“Stephen’s appointment is a measure of how we are continually looking to innovate and approach the market in different ways,” added John Alderton, office managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs in Leeds.

“While Stephen will work closely with the partners in our renowned Corporate Practice, his appointment will also serve as a catalyst for growth across the office. He will be a tremendous asset to the firm.”

Foster’s arrival follows the appointment of DWF’s Leeds Head of Litigation, Jason Blakey, who joined Squire Patton Boggs in Leeds last week. The firm also promoted four senior lawyers to the Leeds partnership last year; David Holland (Real Estate Litigation), Tom Telford (Financial Services), David Chan (Real Estate) and Jonathan Ross (Corporate).
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CBRE’s Leeds Office has announced four promotions.

Michael Greenbank has been promoted to director of asset services, Paul England has been promoted to senior surveyor within the building consultancy team.

Meanwhile Maxine Grayshon has been promoted to associate director and Caroline Bell to surveyor grade.

Leeds MD and executive director, Richard Sunderland, said: “It is fantastic to be reporting our sixth year of continued growth and another record financial year for the Leeds business. We offer an unrivalled spectrum of service lines from the office and continually address our approach to employee wellbeing to ensure the satisfaction and retention of our valued staff.

“I am delighted to announce the latest round of promotions and look forward to the continued growth of our regional business.”

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