Blacks Solicitors promotes 28 employees across multiple specialist teams in 2025 – over 10% of its total workforce.
Leeds-based firm, Blacks Solicitors, has kicked off the year with a big round of promotions, recognising the achievements of 28 employees across multiple specialist teams.
Spanning 10 teams, including residential property, private wealth and succession, real estate, commercial, IT, family, and corporate, the promotions reflect the firm’s commitment to fostering talent. Several of those promoted are long-standing members of the firm, with five employees having been with Blacks for over a decade.
Among the key promotions are Andrew Foulds in family law, Emma Garfitt in residential property, Annie Beaumont in private wealth and succession, and James Ricketts in risk and compliance, who have all been elevated to salaried partner.
The firm has also announced new legal directors including Perdip Bhachu, Dean Goodwin, and Sarah Brown in residential property, Rowan Thomas and Jonathan Kay in real estate, Paula Moses in commercial dispute resolution, and Alex Hall in corporate.
Hayley Blackburn, who started her career at Blacks as a paralegal, has been promoted to senior associate in the corporate team. After qualifying as a chartered legal executive, she has played an instrumental role in the firm’s corporate practice. Speaking about her promotion, Hayley said, “I’m eager to continue delivering highly valued and quality services in my new role. It’s been a joy to help improve and develop our corporate specialism whilst being supported by the firm.”
Blacks has also promoted Abbie Spence, Jack Parkinson, Will Ashton, Gulfraz Ahmed, and Liam Douglas to senior associate in residential property. The firm has also elevated several employees to associate, including Jack Dodd in family law, Jenna Keough in private wealth and succession, Gul Shah in real estate, Shane Powell in IT, Alex Morris in corporate, Beth Brindley in commercial, and Clare Castillo in real estate litigation. They are joined by Rebecca Pickles, David Lawes, Caithlin McParland, and Paris Bentley in residential property.
Blacks, which now employs more than 230 people, continues to invest in its workforce as it anticipates a record net turnover by the end of the financial year. James Ricketts, who takes on the role of partner in risk and compliance in a non-fee-earning capacity, commented, “I am delighted to become a partner. Blacks has created a fantastic environment for development and growth, and I look forward to an exciting 2025 and future at the firm.”
Managing partner Chris Allen praised the team’s achievements: “As a leading independent law firm, we are committed to investing in our team and acknowledging their hard work and dedication. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and collaboration have been vital for the continued success of the firm.”
Image provided by Blacks Solicitors
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.