Private equity backed law firm announces relocation

Stowe Family Law, which was acquired by private equity firm Livingbridge in 2017, is relocating to the Minerva building within Leeds’ Bond Court development.

Stowe Family Law has agreed half a floor, comprising 2,631 sq ft on the second floor on a six year lease.

The firm is relocating from smaller premises at Portland Street in as part of a rapid expansion plan following the acquisition by Livingbridge.

Founded by Marilyn Stowe, the law firm now has more than 140 staff and a network of 14 offices across the UK.

Evans Property Group injected life into the Bond Court area of Leeds city centre with a major £25m investment to create commercial and leisure space in addition to extensive public realm works.

In collaboration with Leeds City Council, the team’s five-year project has now transformed the business district, with the office buildings of Minerva and Capitol providing Grade A space.

Bond Court is also home to its jewel in the crown, the luxury 5* boutique Dakota Deluxe hotel, several restaurants and revitalised public spaces.

Since its extensive refurbishment, Minerva has attracted tenants including corporate finance practice Sentio Partners, data and services provider Proact IT and specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory.

Richard Bean, asset manager at Evans Property Group, commented: “We are delighted to welcome such a highly regarded law firm to Minerva as a new base to support its expansion plans.  The City of Leeds is a great place to be as a leading financial and legal centre and Minerva is a prestigious address with access to a wide range of high calibre fellow tenants such as global financial services company, UBS and Standard Life.”

CBRE and JLL are joint office agents on Minerva.

David Cowgill and Richard Barrett from Schofield Sweeney were legal advisers to Stowe Family Law.