Schofield Sweeney has acquired Leeds-based boutique firm Prodicus Legal.
Prodicus Legal is a successful and growing niche practice that complements the litigation and corporate services and wider offering at Schofield Sweeney.
James Wood established Prodicus Legal in 2013. The firm specialises in complex shareholder disputes, commercial frauds, insolvency litigation and property disputes for businesses and individuals across the UK.
Wood will become a partner at Schofield Sweeney. The Prodicus Legal litigation team also includes solicitor Damian Kilroy, who has worked closely with Wood for six years.
Pauline Hanratty will strengthen Schofield Sweeney’s corporate offering. She has significant experience advising on all aspects of corporate and commercial matters for clients ranging from sole traders to PLCs.
The two firms have had a close relationship for many years. Hanratty trained at Schofield Sweeney while Wood was previously a partner before setting up Prodicus Legal.
Commenting on the acquisition, Wood said: “Schofield Sweeney has a strong reputation in the market and the opportunity to create a combined entity will provide clients with access to a wider range of services, strategic advice and excellent client care.”
“We’ve seen an increase in litigation activity this year and the safe assumption is that there will be significant levels of fall-out from distressed debt. As part of a larger team we will continue to offer the sound commercial advice and support that our clients have come to trust.”
Steven Millward, partner at Schofield Sweeney, said: “We are really pleased to welcome the Prodicus team and their clients to Schofield Sweeney, where they will continue to enjoy the high quality of advice and service that they have been used to, together with access to the range of other services we provide.”
“We have responded well as a business to the challenges presented by Covid (since March we have recruited close to 20 lawyers) and look to the future with cautious optimism as we continue to grow.”
Pictured: James Wood, Pauline Hanratty and Graham Sweeney
