People: New employment solicitor appointed; Clinical negligence specialist joins team; Insolvency expert recruited; and more

A legal firm with offices in Leeds, Bradford and Yeadon has appointed a new solicitor to its employment team.

Nicola Williams, who previously worked for a law firm in York, has joined Morrish Solicitors at its Leeds base.

Williams went to Lancaster University, obtaining her law degree in 2006.  She began her legal career in 2010 as a Paralegal in civil litigation and personal injury before moving to employment law in late 2013.

She then went to Leeds Law School before starting her training contract in 2017 at a trade union firm. Williams qualified as a solicitor in 2019 and has worked on a variety of employment tribunal matters.

Paul Scholey, Senior Partner and Employment Law Solicitor, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Nicola has joined us, at a time when we are building on our existing Trade Union client base.

“As we expand that work we need technically able lawyers who can give advice efficiently and effectively in a jargon-free and down to earth way.

“Nicola fits that bill perfectly and is already making a great impression.  I’m sure she’ll delight the people she represents, and she’s an ideal fit for our existing team of lawyers.”

:::

Williamsons Solicitors has taken on a new clinical negligence solicitor.

Sarah Jackson has joined the firm following a career that began in 2009 in personal injury but changed to the more specialist area of medical negligence when she qualified in 2015.

“I have a particular interest in brain injuries caused at birth and fighting for the families involved,” she said.

“And now, as mother of a young child myself, their plight resonates even more with me.

“These tragic cases, which can result in the child needing round-the-clock care, are often entirely avoidable.

“Families can be left with enormous pressure both practically and financially, so it is only right that they receive appropriate compensation so that they can access all the vital support they need, whether that is in respect of treatment for the child, respite care or specially adapted accommodation.”

In addition to brain injuries at birth, Jackson has worked on clinical negligence cases, including delayed diagnosis of cancer and avoidable amputations, and has experience of bringing claims to trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Williamsons Solicitors has offices in Hull, Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington.

Commenting further on her appointment to the clinical negligence team, Jackson added: “It’s a very close-knit department with great support from the highly-regarded, experienced solicitors and the paralegals.

“We all work with the same determination and focus on putting our clients first. I’m very pleased to be working alongside such consummate professionals.”

Head of department Nick Gray said: “Our clinical negligence team is stronger than ever. This highly specialist area of law requires both diligence and an empathetic approach. Sarah is a very good fit and we are pleased that she has joined us.”

:::

David Barker has joined Leeds firm Winston Solicitors as Head of Insolvency.

He has over 20 years worth of industry expertise in insolvency law and is recommended for administration, liquidation, bankruptcy and insolvency litigation.

Barker said: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Winston Solicitors.

“My plan is to continue to generate a substantial proportion of my own work whilst supporting the existing talented and respected team.”

Originally qualifying as a barrister in 1993, Barker began his legal career at Hammond Suddards then four years later joined Read Hind Stewart where he went on to develop his expertise in insolvency law.

In 2001 he was one of two founding partners of Leeds based boutique insolvency and litigation firm Carrick Read Insolvency. Following 16 years at Carrick Read, he became a partner at LCF Law.

Jonathan Winston, managing partner at Winston Solicitors, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome David to the team. David’s expertise strengthens our firm and brings another area of law we can confidently offer to our clients.”

:::

Fulcrum Utility Services, in Sheffield, has announced the appointment of Daren Harris as Chief Financial Officer.

Harris will join the company and its board on 24 June 2019.

He has significant experience in various senior finance roles including those in the construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, defence and energy services sectors. 

His most recent role was as Group Finance Director and primary board member of The Byrne Group, a construction services provider which during his tenure achieved turnover in excess of £300 million.

Before that he was Group Finance Director of NG Bailey, a £400 million turnover engineering and services business. 

Harris is also a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Philip Holder, Chairman, said: “We are delighted that Daren will be joining the business and board. He brings with him considerable experience which will be of great benefit to the business in the next stage of its development.”

Current Chief Financial Officer, Hazel Griffiths, will leave the business after a handover period as previously announced.

 Martin Harrison, CEO, said: “The board and I would like to express our thanks for the contribution Hazel has made as CFO with the business during a period of growth. We wish her well in her future assignments.”