Chesterfield-based Dawson Radford Solicitors has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of award-winning commercial property specialist Ian Osborn as Head of Property.
Ian joins the growing law firm from Taylor Emmet Solicitors, where he was a partner in the Bakewell office and specialised in commercial property, agricultural and rural land matters.
His appointment at Dawson Radford marks a return to the Chesterfield legal community after six years, having previously worked at Banner Jones Solicitors earlier in his career.
The move reunites Ian with Dawson Radford founder and managing director Jo Dawson, with the two having previously worked within the Chesterfield legal sector before she established the firm in 2016 which specialises in corporate, employment and commercial property legal services
Alongside growing the business and working with clients across England and Wales, Jo was recently recognised with a nomination in the Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2025.
Ian brings a strong track record of recognition within the profession. Last year he was named Sheffield & District Law Society’s Partner of the Year and previously led a team that secured Commercial Property Team of the Year title at the same awards in 2023.
At Dawson Radford, Ian will lead the development of a dedicated commercial property department, complementing the firm’s established corporate and company law specialisms. His work includes advising on asset-driven transactions linked to the acquisition and disposal of SME businesses and sole traders, particularly where property plays a key role.
“I thrive on establishing and developing departments, and Dawson Radford provides the opportunity to do exactly that,” said Ian. “The firm is already well respected for its corporate legal work, particularly within the care sector. Joining Jo is an opportunity to help drive the business forward by building a strong commercial property offering.
“I enjoy the fast-paced nature of corporate and commercial property law and the opportunity to work directly with Jo and clients to support their growth was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.”
Ian said the firm’s location offers particular advantages for rural and agricultural clients in the region. He said: “Dawson Radford’s Chesterfield base positions us perfectly to support agricultural and rural businesses, being on the doorstep of the Peak District and within reach of rural Lincolnshire. It’s an exciting point in my career and I’m looking forward to building the commercial property department here.”
Welcoming Ian to the firm, Joanna said: “Ian’s appointment marks the start of a new chapter for Dawson Radford. Whilst we have always had a commercial property offering, Ian’s
appointment gives us a real opportunity to drive forward and grow this side of the business and develop a growing and thriving property team in its own right alongside our well-established corporate department. It’s exciting times for Dawson Radford.”
During his career Ian has handled a number of high-profile commercial property transactions, including advising on the commercial lease for the Bottle & Thyme restaurant and bar at Chesterfield’s Elder Way development.
Outside of work, Ian, who grew up in the Peak District, enjoys spending time with his family, walking in the countryside with his wife and young children, clay pigeon shooting and listening to history podcasts.
Dawson Radford is currently experiencing significant growth and is expanding its team. In addition to Ian’s appointment, the seven-strong firm is also in the process of recruiting an experienced corporate paralegal to support its corporate law department.
Image provided by Dawson Radford Solicitors
