People: Double hire for law firm’s private client team; Housing association appoints interim CEO; Chancellor role for ex-Coronation Street actor; and more

Law firm Rollits has appointed two solicitors to add to its team of private client law experts.

Emma Fawke and Bella O’Keeffe have joined the firm as solicitors in the private capital department.

Fawke, who has worked in the legal sector for over 12 years, qualified as a solicitor in 2011, and has worked in general practice since then.

She now specialises in wills, estate planning and administration matters, as well as lasting powers of attorney. She is based in the firm’s Hull office.

A history graduate from The University of Hull, O’Keeffe joined Rollits from a York law firm and advises clients in relation to the preparation of wills, creation of trusts, estate planning, taxation, administration of estates, powers of attorney, court of protection applications and care home fee planning. She will be located in the York office.

John Lane, Head of Rollits’ private capital team, said: “We are delighted to have Emma and Bella as a new additions to the team. We are keen to invest in the young talent and I look forward to helping them develop and learn as his career progresses with the firm.”

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Leeds and Yorkshire Housing Association has appointed Mark Pearson as interim chief executive.

Pearson has worked at the LYHA as deputy chief executive for six months and was previously assistant director of communities and customer service at Muir Group Housing Association, having worked in the social housing sector for 21 years.

He takes over from Lisa Pickard, who leaves the organisation after six and a half years.

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Yorkshire-born actor, playwright and creative director Deborah McAndrew has taken up her role as chancellor of Leeds Trinity University.

Born in Huddersfield, McAndrew trained as a teacher before embarking on a successful career as a writer and actor.

Having worked extensively in theatre, television and radio in a career spanning almost 30 years, she co-founded Claybody Theatre Company in Stoke-on-Trent in 2013, where she is currently creative director.

Beginning her acting career in the 1990s on the cobbles of Coronation Street, where she played Weatherfield regular Angie Freeman, McAndrew has appeared regularly in BBC Radio drama. Her theatre credits include work for London and regional theatres, and national touring.

McAndrew said: “It’s an absolute privilege to become Leeds Trinity University’s new chancellor. I am very passionate about education and hope I can inspire students to achieve their potential. Thank you to everyone at Leeds Trinity for this opportunity.”

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