Law firm Devonshires is celebrating its fifth birthday in Leeds.
Since opening in Leeds following the arrival of partners Chris Drabble and Gary Grigor from Addleshaw Goddard, the team has grown to 21, including six partners, and is actively recruiting new solicitors with plans for further expansion.
In addition to Grigor (banking) and Drabble (property securitisation), other partners include: Richard Anderson (construction and engineering), Kirsty Thompson (employment and pensions), Elad Yasdi (real estate and projects) and Richard Sharpe (property securitisation).
Other notable recruits within the past 12 months include Amy Lees from Knights, Zoe McLean-Wells from Walker Morris and Geri Batchelor from DWF. The office also currently houses three trainees on seat rotations.
The office, which is part of the firm’s strategic commitment to better serve its northern client base, moved into new premises at No 1 Whitehall Riverside in 2020 on a long-term lease to cement its commitment to the region.
In the same year, Devonshires won the Banking and Finance Law Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.
The office is jointly led by Gary Grigor and Chris Drabble. Grigor commented: “We have come so far in such a short space of time, but our appetite to continue our growth and recruit even more talented solicitors remains at the forefront of our ambitions.”
Drabble added: “Leeds has an active and vibrant business community and we’re pleased to be making a real contribution to the city. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, I want to thank all those clients and staff who have supported us as we look forward to growing the office further.”
The Leeds office houses a broad range of practice areas, but in time the plan is for Devonshires to replicate the ‘full-service’ offering of its London office.
Since opening in the city, Devonshires has been an active supporter of Leeds’ St George’s Crypt, participating in several events to raise funds and promote the work of the homeless charity.
Pictured: Chris Drabble and Gary Grigor
