People: Walker Morris; Switalskis; HICA

Law firm Walker Morris has made a run of new hires to strengthen its financial services regulatory expertise, making this specialist practice team one of the largest outside London.
In recent months, the group, led by Jeanette Burgess, has welcomed Russell Kelsall as partner and head of consumer and motor finance, Leanna Bradshaw as director, Sarah Mertes as senior consultant, both Paula Twist and Hasan Siddique as senior associates and Kelly McHugh as a paralegal to the team.
Strong half year results have seen Walker Morris’ regulatory practice onboard over 35 new clients, including a number of high profile and institutional consumer, motor, asset and mortgage finance providers.
Burgess, head of the regulatory and compliance group, said: “This strategic approach to grow our team has come from a desire to broaden our specialist market expertise, particularly around motor finance, to become the one-stop shop for retail finance legal support.
“Our team works on some of the biggest regulatory mandates in the UK. These fantastic new hires enable us to offer genuine strength in depth to support the complex and often urgent needs of our growing client base.”
Russell Kelsall, head of the consumer and motor finance team, said: “We’ve now built a large and experienced team of lawyers, with in-house, private practice and regulator experience, uniquely dealing with both non-contentious and contentious matters. Our broad regulatory and contentious experience means we provide market-leading, commercial and practical advice on work typically undertaken by magic circle firms.”
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Switalskis has strengthened its growing family law team with the appointment of solicitor Emma Davey to its Sheffield office.
As a solicitor in Switalskis’ family law department, she represents clients in family law matters both in and out of court. Her appointment brings Switalskis’ family law team up to 12 professionals, working across offices in South and West Yorkshire.
Having achieved her law degree from Manchester University and a Masters in Legal Practice from Sheffield University, Davey completed her training contract in Bristol.
She said: “During my studies and subsequent training it became clear that family law was the area I was most passionate about and would like to specialise in. Family law is an incredibly fulfilling area to work in. Being able to help people who are going through a difficult time in their lives is a pleasure.”
Toby Netting, Switalskis director and head of Family Law in Sheffield, said: “We are committed to finding and developing the talented individuals who will lead the industry in the future. Emma’s appointment is very much a reflection of this. She is confident, approachable and is passionate about achieving the most fair and best outcomes for our clients. I have no doubt she is an excellent addition to our team.”
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A not-for-profit care provider, headquartered in Yorkshire, has announced the appointment of two financial controllers to its team.
Helen Worsley and Sam Kind have joined the finance team at HICA Group to help support financial management across the organisation, as it continues to grow and extend its range of care services across the region.
They bring a combined wealth of expertise in financial management, control and strategy, with extensive experience across the public and private sector.
Terry Peel, HICA’s CEO, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have Helen and Sam join our dedicated team of passionate, talented professionals at HICA.
“Their appointments mark a significant step in bolstering our financial stewardship, ensuring we continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
“They share our passion for making a positive difference, and I am confident that their expertise will be invaluable in supporting HICA’s journey of innovation and excellence in care.”