West Yorkshire Solicitors notch up 130 years in business
One of the region’s most established legal firms is celebrating after notching up one hundred and thirty years in business.
Wilkinson Woodward has been trading from premises in Fountain Street, Halifax since 1886, when the town was still a formidable force in the world textile industry. Since then, the firm has evolved into one of West Yorkshire’s most established and trusted legal practices.
Over a history spanning in excess of 47,000 days of trading, Wilkinson Woodward has witnessed many changes.
The practice was founded in 1886 by local solicitor Robert Wilkinson. He was succeeded in May 1936 by Gordon Woodward who was joined two months later by Harry Ludlam, when the name “Wilkinson Woodward & Ludlam” was adopted. Harry went on to become Mayor of Halifax and was a highly respected and well-known figure in the town.
Throughout the middle of the twentieth century the firm continued to expand. Harry’s son, David Ludlam remained at the firm until the mid-1980’s, when the name reverted to Wilkinson Woodward.
In 2000, Wilkinson Woodward opened an office on Market Street in Huddersfield. This merged with Norcliffe & Co in 2012 and now operates from premises in Queen Street.
In 2001, Wilkinson Woodward merged with Boocock’s solicitors and estate agents. The firm still incorporates this independent lettings and estate agency.
Three years ago the practice merged with Bearders solicitors, taking over their office in King Street, Brighouse.
Today, with a team of over thirty lawyers and fifty support staff spanning premises in Halifax, Huddersfield and Brighouse, the firm’s main focus remains on serving the communities of Calderdale and Kirklees.
The practice thrives under the leadership of Managing Director Maureen Cawthorn. Maureen said,
“Wilkinson Woodward has been serving the people and businesses of Halifax since Queen Victoria’s reign.
During the past 130 years, the practice has grown and developed whilst still remaining true to our ethos of serving the local community.”
The firm provides legal advice and representation in specialisms ranging from family law and mediation to employment law, personal injury, dispute resolution, children and care proceedings, commercial law, conveyancing, wills, trusts and estates.
