People: Double partner hire for Gateley; Harrogate interiors firm expands following Leeds United contract win; and more

The Leeds office of law firm Gateley has welcomed its first employment partners to the team.

Paul Ball and Gearalt Fahy join Gateley from 3volution where they were both partners.

Ball has more than 20 years’ experience advising employers on all aspects of employment law, in particular discrimination issues, contractual issues arising on business transfers, as well as significant experience of delivering in-house client training. Prior to 3volution, he held positions at Eversheds and DLA Piper, as well as experience as acting in-house employment counsel at Sodexo.

Fahy has almost 18 years’ experience in advising employers on complex and strategic legal work. He has particular expertise in the protection of business interests and the enforcement of contract terms post termination, with significant practice in the construction, engineering, energy and mining sectors. Previous firms include Ford & Warren and Watson Burton.

Additionally, the Leeds commercial dispute resolution team has hired partner Gavin Winter, from Watson Burton. Winter has more than 17 years’ experience handling disputes of all varieties, including both commercial and contractual disputes, negligence actions and property litigation.

William Ballmann, head of the Leeds office, said: “The arrival of Paul and Gearalt to the Employment team further expands our practice in Leeds, as part of our strategy to develop a full-service offering in Yorkshire.

“After only five years in the city, I’m delighted to be announcing yet further growth but most importantly, with people that have the right skills, experience and personality. Gavin, Paul and Gearalt are an excellent fit for us.”
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Commercial interior specialist Absolute Commercial Interiors has boosted its team following major contract wins, including one with Leeds United.

Recent clients for the Harrogate business include the redesign of the new-look The Man Behind Curtain restaurant in Leeds as well as the seven-figure refurbishment of the Leeds United banqueting suites.

Owner Phil Brown: “We understand that we are only as good as the people that work for us and that’s why we invest in our team. Offering flexible working, great offices and competitive financial packages. The new additions to the team include creative talent and operational skills, which will help us continue to grow and continue to offer our clients the best service and design.”

The new recruits include Tom Hare, who brings 15 years’ experience in shop, exhibition and museum fitting to his new role as project manager.

Linzi Kate Oldfield has joined Absolute Commercial Interiors in the role of sales administrator while
Sharron Wormald has been welcomed on board as furniture project manager.

Ian Burgess has been recruited as design director, joining the team from HOK London.
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Blacks Solicitors has announced it has retained all of its newly qualified solicitors.

Emma Wilson joined Blacks as a paralegal in November 2013 and started her training contract with the firm in September 2015.  Following her recent qualification to solicitor, she now joins to strengthen the firm’s expanding commercial property team.

Alex Mills joined in 2014 and was due to qualify in 2016, but took time out to become a mum. She has now joined the employment law team.

Finally, James Farad started his training contract with the firm in September 2015 having impressed as an employment law paralegal for two years. Moving forward he will be working with managing partner, Chris Allen, carrying out employment and commercial law work.

Blacks’ training partner, Tom Moyes, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see these individuals progress within the firm. They have continued to flourish with us and we are all very proud of their achievements and sterling work to date. They all offer us different skills that will help contribute to the firm’s continued success.

“They are an inspiration to other juniors coming up through the ranks and undoubtedly have a bright future ahead.”

 

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