West Yorkshire solicitors, Wilkinson Woodward, is celebrating 140 years of legal practice.
Founded by Robert Wilkinson in 1886 and still headquartered in Fountain Street, Halifax, the company has established itself as one of the region’s most respected and trusted law firms.
With a history spanning three centuries, the practice has undergone considerable change. In 1936, fifty years after opening, Wilkinson was succeeded by local solicitors, Gordon Woodward and Harry Ludlam, and the company became known as Wilkinson Woodward & Ludlam.
Under their stewardship, the company continued to grow, despite several employees putting their legal careers on hold to serve the country during the war years.
Ludlam, a well-respected local figure and councillor, went on to serve as Mayor of Halifax in 1965-1966. His son, David, followed him into the practice, remaining until the mid-1980s. The firm then adopted the simplified name of Wilkinson Woodward.
The start of the new millennium heralded a period of considerable expansion for the firm. It opened a new branch in Market Street, Huddersfield, in 2000, and in 2012 merged with the Huddersfield law firm, Norcliffe and Co. The Kirklees branch has since relocated to larger premises.
In 2001, the company also merged with Boococks solicitors and estate agents in Halifax and in 2013 with Bearders solicitors in Brighouse. The acquisition of Bearders’ led to the opening of Wilkinson Woodward’s Brighouse branch, originally located in King Street, it moved to new premises in Commercial Street in 2025.
While Wilkinson Woodward’s focus on serving the local communities remains steadfast after 140 years, it continues to develop services to meet the needs of its growing client list. With over 30 lawyers and 50 support staff across the firm’s Halifax, Huddersfield and Brighouse offices, it remains dedicated to providing first-class legal services.
With strong and historical ties to the Calderdale and Kirklees communities, Wilkinson Woodward has been a keen supporter of local charities and good causes over the years, including Overgate Hospice, Kirkwood Hospice, Next Step Trust, Huddersfield Literature Festival and the RSPCA.
Managing Director, Laura Kurowski, said, “I’m extremely proud to be part of a firm that has such a long history of delivering exceptional legal services across the communities of Calderdale and Kirklees. Although 140 years is a significant milestone, our sights are very much set on the future, with lots of exciting events and activities planned to come in 2026, to celebrate our anniversary.”
