Leeds Business Appointments: September 2026

Legal executive, solicitor and three paralegals · Leeds and Bradford · September

In Leeds, Jenna Leach joins the corporate team as a legal executive after working as a paralegal at two other Yorkshire firms, alongside paralegals Matthew Griffiths in personal law and Hannah O’Reilly in commercial litigation. In Bradford, Emily Bailey joins conveyancing arm LCF Residential, having qualified as a solicitor this year after four years as a paralegal and trainee, with Anouska Seedheeyan appointed paralegal in real estate. The firm has recruited 26 people since January, taking headcount to 149 across four Yorkshire offices.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Emily, Jenna, Matthew, Anouska and Hannah into our team.” — Ragan Montgomery, managing partner

Owner and managing director · Leeds · 20 August

Charlie becomes owner and managing director of the Leeds firm, taking over leadership from Judith Hogg, who moves into the role of finance director. A barrister specialising in commercial litigation, he is the son of director and owner Andrew Greenwood, making this a generational handover at a practice with 19th century origins. Judith has guided Emsleys through years of growth and operational modernisation, and will now lead strategic financial planning.

“The firm is in an excellent position and is now primed for growth.” — Charlie Greenwood

Corporate partners · joined from Walker Morris · 20 August

Both join the Wellington Place office from Walker Morris, reuniting with legal directors Jamie Guy and Adhiraj Gupta. Mike specialises in mid-market private equity and M&A with a cross-border focus, having begun his career at Linklaters. Thomas advises private equity funds, family offices and portfolio companies across manufacturing, logistics, technology, energy transition and defence. Both will split their time between Leeds and London. The firm has added more than ten partners and consultants since January.

“These appointments reinforce our commitment to continued growth.” — Michael Corcoran, head of corporate

Trainee accountant · Leeds city centre · 26 August

Oliver joins the Leeds office as part of the firm's 2026 Trainee Academy intake, alongside six other trainees across the business, following an induction at the Grimsby head office. A former student of Outwood Academy Freeston and New College Pontefract, he is the Leeds office's first trainee. Forrester Boyd opened in Leeds in April 2025 and has since doubled the team. Thirteen of its 17 partners began as trainees, including Leeds lead partner Richard Walker.

“I know first-hand where that first opportunity can lead.” — Richard Walker

Chair designate and two non-executive directors · August

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, and Dr Tony Ballance, chief strategy and regulation officer at Cadent Gas, joined as independent non-executive directors on 7 and 14 August. They follow Jonathan Lewis, appointed non-executive director and chair designate, who becomes chair on 1 October, succeeding Vanda Murray. The changes follow a governance review reflecting new ownership arrangements and the utility's £8.3bn investment programme.

“I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire Water at such an important point.” — Jonathan Lewis