Demonstrating a strong commitment to developing talent, Blacks Solicitors has promoted 7.5% of its workforce, compared with a national annual average of 4%.
Reflecting strong retention and long-term career growth, more than half of those promoted have built their careers at the firm for at least five years, with a number exceeding ten years’ service. These promotions follow a record breaking year in which the firm achieved £22m turnover.
Of the 15 teams at Blacks, seven have announced promotions, including Residential Property, Real Estate, Employment, Family, Banking, Commercial Dispute Resolution and Real Estate Litigation.
Jennifer Gillespie (Real Estate) and James Martin (Commercial Dispute Resolution) have both been promoted to Legal Director. Jennifer, who has been with the firm for over a decade, is a trusted expert in real estate transactions, specialising in acquisitions and disposals for both landlords and tenants, as well managing extensive property portfolios and advising on various lease matters.
Reflecting on her role at Blacks and her promotion, Jennifer said: “I’m incredibly proud to be promoted to Legal Director at Blacks and to be part of a team that continually strives for excellence and growth. Blacks’ reputation for the quality of its work, the calibre of its clients, and its enjoyable workplace culture has made it a fantastic place to progress my career.”
Faye Parkinson (Residential Property), who has been at Blacks for almost 20 years, has been promoted to Senior Associate Conveyancer. Anna Schiavetta (Employment), Lucy Storey (Real Estate) and Josie Kirk (Family) have also been promoted to Senior Associate Solicitors in recognition of their ongoing support for clients and their work developing their respective teams.
The Residential Property team has seen seven further promotions, including Aarifah Patel, Lauren Axon, Lauren Grey, Liz Taylor, Rebecca Leeks, Rebecca Skeet and Samantha Slyth who have all begun new roles as Associate Conveyancers. Talah Hussain (Banking), Conor Tobin and Victoria Adamson (Real Estate), Ellie Broadhurst (Employment) and Georgina Beavis (Real Estate Litigation) have also been promoted to Associate Solicitors.
Ellie’s promotion recognises her pivotal role in the Employment team, including her involvement in the tribunal remedy proceedings against Cranswick Foods Plc that resulted in a significant award of £812,561 for the client.
Tom Moyes, Partner at Blacks Solicitors, said: “Our focus remains on developing our staff, enhancing client care, and expanding our service offerings to meet the evolving demands of our clientele. These recent promotions reflect our commitment to recognising and rewarding talent while creating clear and meaningful career pathways. As we look forward to our big office move this summer, our people-first approach will remain a priority for Blacks.”
The 32 partner firm provides 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 invest in its team as it grows from strength to strength.
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