Appointments: Guest Walker & Co, Wake Smith, Rollits

SOLICITORS Guest Walker & Co have made two new hires after demand for their services escalated.

Steven Smith qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Prior to joining the legal profession, Steven served as a Captain in the Royal Logistic Corps at home and abroad and worked in the Police Force, including work as a detective in London CID.

Deborah Barton joins the firm’s commercial property team and will be working on a broad range of commercial property matters for both corporate and individual clients based in Yorkshire and beyond.

She completed her training after university and began her career at a large City firm in London, where she stayed for 12 years.

John Walker, senior partner at York-based solicitors Guest Walker & Co said: “We are delighted to welcome Steven and Deborah to the team as we continue to expand. They both bring with them a wealth of experience and insight into their individual specialist areas and I am looking forward working with them on a range of new projects for our clients.”
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Wake Smith, a Sheffield law firm, has hired three directors.

Commercial property specialist Ben Spencer has been hired as a director, Paul Gibbon returns after six years at hlw Keeble Hawson as well as Lisa Davison was previously employed at Nabarro. Neil Salter, head of commercial property at Wake Smith, said:

“We are delighted that Lisa and Paul have joined our commercial property team. Their appointments are a key step in us achieving our growth strategy across our commercial practice areas. This is an exciting time in the development of our firm.”

“Ben is a talented lawyer and his promotion demonstrates our commitment to the development of our people who are right at the heart of the service we deliver to our clients.”

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Four solicitors have been promoted at Rollits. Sue Brad, Ed Heppel and James Peel have become associates after being promoted from senior solicitor roles.

Christina Sledmore will also become a senior solicitor.  

Ralph Gilbert managing partner at Rollits, said: “These promotions show how investment in young local talent pays dividends. All of them have worked extremely hard during their time with us and thoroughly deserve their promotions. We are keen to invest in talented lawyers and I wish all of them continuing success.”