Leeds-based legal practice Blacks Solicitors announced two new senior appointments, as the firm continues to see a strong return-hire trend, welcoming back a total of seven former colleagues over the past two years.
Merissa Galley has rejoined Blacks as a Partner in the Real Estate team, more than a decade after beginning her legal career at the firm as a Paralegal.
Merissa, who joined the firm in January, brings more than 10 years’ experience across Real Estate law after gaining experience from Square One, Shulmans and Knights PLC. Her appointment increases the Real Estate team headcount to a total of 34 and follows a period of strong performance for the Real Estate team, which has delivered 42% financial growth over the past three years.
She is also joined by Phil Parkinson, who returns as Head of Commercial Law, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in advising on and drafting commercial agreements to the firm. Phil, who rejoined the firm after two years at Taylor Rose, specialises in advising owner-managed organisations and SMEs across Yorkshire and nationwide, having developed a varied client base across a number of sectors.
Discussing her appointment, Merissa said: “Blacks played a pivotal role in shaping my legal career and I am delighted to be rejoining the firm as a Partner in the Real Estate team. I look forward to my future with the firm and further developing its offering and expertise in both commercial and residential development.”
This growth is mirrored by the firm’s upcoming office expansion, as the business expands its office space by more than 6,000 sq ft, accommodating a growing 240-strong team as part of its ongoing mission to build a space that inspires the next generation.
Discussing the recent appointments, Managing Partner, Chris Allen, added: “The return of Merissa and Phil reflects the journey Blacks has been on over recent years. We’ve built a firm that combines high-quality legal work with a genuinely supportive culture, and it’s particularly meaningful when talented lawyers choose to continue their careers with us.
“As we continue to invest in our people, our teams and our new office environment, the focus is on creating an inspiring place to work and an inspiring firm to be a part of. Merissa and Phil bring outstanding experience and leadership, and their appointments mark an exciting next chapter for our Real Estate and Commercial teams.”
Blacks is a 32 partner firm providing a wide range of legal services to commercial and private clients in Yorkshire and across the UK. With more than 240 employees, the firm continues to go from strength to strength.
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