Leeds business appointments roundup: new partners, senior hires and promotions across the city
It’s been a busy fortnight for Leeds business appointments, with law firms dominating the moves. Here’s our regular roundup of who’s joining, moving, or stepping up across the Leeds business community. This edition covers late February to early March 2026.
Squire Patton Boggs — LegalDavid Myers has been promoted to partner. He heads the firm’s UK planning team and advises on all aspects of town and country planning, from applications and appeals to biodiversity net gain strategy. Separately, Gemma Hanley has joined as partner in the pensions practice, returning to the firm from Eversheds Sutherland where she was Leeds head of pensions. Read More: Squire Patton Boggs — Global Promotions 2026 |
Eversheds Sutherland — LegalTeresa Hitchcock has been appointed as senior consultant in the UK environment, health and safety team. She joins from DLA Piper and is recognised in four Chambers UK practice areas, including Band 1 for planning and environment. She brings experience spanning senior regulatory roles in local government and decades advising major corporates. Read More: Eversheds Sutherland — Senior Appointments |
DAC Beachcroft — LegalLouise Bloomfield has been reappointed as Leeds location head for a further three-year term. An employment law specialist, Bloomfield first took the role in 2023 and leads the firm’s national employment practices liability insurance practice. The Leeds office at St Paul’s House is home to 290 colleagues. |
Tyr — LegalAmy Woodfine has been appointed as corporate partner, bringing over 17 years’ experience in M&A, investments, and cross-border deals. She joins from Knights. This follows the recent arrival of partner Giles Clegg from Lupton Fawcett earlier this year. Read More: Tyr appoints corporate partner |
Schofield Sweeney — LegalThree senior hires and three internal promotions. Dorrien Peters joins from Knights as partner in dispute resolution, bringing a Legal 500 Leading Individual ranking and a background in aerospace engineering. Clive Lawrence joins as consultant to launch the firm’s new intellectual property practice. Craig Barraclough has been appointed the firm’s first IT director. Internally, Damian Kilroy has been promoted to partner in dispute resolution, Jack Venable to associate in corporate, and Sandeep Singh to associate IT manager. Read More: Schofield Sweeney bolsters team |
Leeds College of Building — EducationCarly Sidebottom has been appointed as assistant principal for partnerships and adults. She joins from Total Training Provision where she was director of business strategy and compliance. The newly created role supports the college’s growth in employer partnerships and adult learning across the construction sector. Source: Leeds College of Building appoints assistant principal |
That’s the Leeds business appointments roundup for this fortnight. Got a move to share? Email us and we’ll include it in the next edition.
Why this matters for Leeds
This fortnight’s Leeds business appointments show a legal sector on the front foot. Five firms have made partner-level hires or promotions in two weeks. Schofield Sweeney launching an IP practice and appointing its first IT director signals how regional firms are investing in new capabilities.
