Strong growth for Leeds law firm with 8 new appointments

A leading Northern law firm has announced eight new appointments as it continues to expand.

Ward Hadaway’s Leeds team, based at Wellington Place, welcomes several new legal professionals including Owen Ormond as a partner in the insolvency team.

With over 17 years of experience in restructuring and insolvency, Owen brings a wealth of expertise, specifically for funders, administrators, and receivers nationwide in the commercial real estate and development sectors. His appointment adds a further specialist service to the firm’s insolvency practice, enhancing its expertise in providing advice and legal support to businesses in financial distress, and to creditors in pursuing impaired debts.

In other appointments, Rachael Sykes and Cordelia Stephens join as solicitors in the corporate team. Olivia Keenan and Alisa Urfan have been appointed as paralegals in the children and social housing divisions and the construction team welcomes solicitor Ellie Folger. Consultant Robert Brown and chartered legal executive Emily Gee will work alongside Owen and the rest of the insolvency team which is now seven people strong in Leeds, and more than 16 nationwide.

In the last year, the headcount at Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office has increased by 12% as the innovative, full-service law firm continues to attract and retain talent across various legal disciplines.

Emma Digby, executive partner in the Leeds office, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our eight new starters, who each bring unique skills and expertise to our team. The growth of our Leeds office not only reflects our commitment to providing a diverse range of specialist legal services tailored to our clients’ needs but also demonstrates our dedication to fostering a culture of continuous professional development.

“As our team expands, we continue to place a high emphasis on offering our people the opportunity to grow and advance within their careers. This focus on their personal development ensures that our team is well-equipped to respond to the evolving legal landscape. We believe that investing in employee growth is paramount to our success, enhancing our collective expertise and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional service - and results - for our clients. We are delighted that this approach continues to attract new talent of such an exceptional calibre to the firm.”

Owen Ormond said: “It’s an exciting time for Ward Hadaway, and an exciting time for me to join, as the firm continues to innovate and grow. I look forward to working alongside talented professionals at the firm to further build the insolvency practice, and to deliver additional services that enhance the already outstanding legal support the firm provides to its clients. Ward Hadaway's commitment to collaborative working greatly appealed in my decision to further build my practice here, so my clients can benefit from the enthusiasm and diligence that the firm provides across the full spectrum of legal support. I’m delighted to be a part of this ambitious firm as it continues its growth.”

Photo caption: L-R: Ellie Folger, Owen Ormond, Cordelia Stephens, Rachael Sykes