MBO takes place at ABR Solicitors

YORKSHIRE’S ABR Solicitors has completed an MBO.

The fraud, crime and regulatory practice was originally part of Leeds law firm Clarion and became a separate division known as Clarion Advocates in February 2010. In 2012, it rebranded, changing its name from Clarion Advocates to ABR Solicitors and the practice currently has a total of 27 criminal lawyers across its five offices in Leeds, Liverpool, Harrogate, Huddersfield and Keighley.

Headed by Rob Rode, who was responsible for establishing Clarion’s successful Leeds criminal practice based at Britannia Chambers, the MBO involves the senior management team comprising Tony Murphy, Susannah Proctor and Keith Allen. Funding has been provided by Nat West.

Managing partner of Clarion, Mark Burns, said: “Over the last three years, the criminal practice has gone from strength to strength under Rob’s strong leadership. Together, we have pursued a strategy of optimising its strong reputation in criminal law by establishing a network of offices throughout the north and the practice is now at a stage to operate as a successful, stand-alone business.

“As one of the UK’s leaders in this niche area of law, it makes sense for the team at ABR Solicitors to concentrate on their particular expertise and focus on offering their services as a specialist practice while we continue to serve the needs of our own clients.”

Senior partner of ABR Solicitors, Rob Rode, added: “Thanks to the backing of a solid firm like Clarion, we have been able to build on our position as one of the top four practices nationwide, handling numerous high profile and complex cases all over the country. 

“The firm’s support has allowed us to pursue an ambitious expansion programme and we are excited to be embarking on the next stage of ABR’s development as an independent business.”