Jones heads Hammonds

JONATHAN Jones has been named the new head of Hammonds law firm’s Leeds office.

The 41-year-old corporate lawyer replaces Simon Miller, who stood down at the end of last year after less than two years in the role.

Mr Jones is keen to carry on the success story at the Hammonds arm, which has been a strong performer for the group.

The father of four joined Hammonds in 1998, was made a partner in its corporate team in 2000 and became national head of private equity in 2003.

In 2007 he advised on the largest Yorkshire management buyout, the £783m deal at Keepmoat.

Hammonds has won clients including Barclays Ventures and Amec over the last 12 months.

The Leeds corporate team completed transactions worth a total value in excess of £2.74bn in 2008, for both new and longstanding clients.

Mr Jones said: “Despite the economic climate, the Leeds office has performed strongly and we expect this to continue.”

Mr Miller said: “I am very pleased to be able to hand the reins over to Jonathan as we approach the end of another successful year for the office.”

Mr Miller is taking over the firm’s commercial and dispute resolution practice.