The largest law firm in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire has made a series of key appointments, boosting the growing firm’s expertise.
Experienced commercial litigator Carl Holmes has joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits as a partner in the firm’s Lincoln office. Carl has previously worked with high-profile clients such as Aldi, and has a particular focus on commercial and contract law disputes, as well as professional negligence claims.
Carl Holmes, a partner in the dispute & regulatory team at Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ Lincoln office, said: “Wilkin Chapman Rollits has an excellent commercial litigation department, which is a perfect fit with my expertise.
“With the firm’s locations and its prime position in the agricultural and food & beverage industries in particular, I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level while making new connections for the firm as it continues on its trajectory of sustained growth.”
Prior to joining the firm, Carl worked for over 20 years at a large national practice where he developed a keen commercial focus working with a diverse range of clients across a broad spectrum of sectors.
With experience in a variety of dispute resolution forums, including the High Court and Court of Appeal, arbitration, expert determination and alternative dispute resolution, Carl will take over the role from departing partner Andrew Holt.
Meanwhile, Laura Fahy and Lucy Reding have both been promoted to partner after a combined 20 years of service.
Lucy Reding, a partner in the family law team based in Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ Lincoln office, said: “As part of the tight-knit and multi-speciality family law team, I provide expert guidance on navigating complex issues in divorce including pension arrangements, particularly for senior professionals in the public and military sectors, as well as advising separating spouses or civil partners involved in businesses, farming families and with issues of inherited wealth.
“Inheritance tax and the changes with the tax regime has very surprising implications that most people may not consider. For example, my team has been very busy creating prenuptial agreements for families looking to pass down wealth and safeguard their hard-earned assets.”
Lucy joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits in 2015 as a trainee, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2017. She was quickly promoted to associate, and Chambers & Partners named her “Associate to Watch” in 2023.
Lucy is a member of the military sector team. She understands the effects of deployment, and offers sensitive, clear advice on child arrangements for separated military parents and families.
Lucy also advises farming families, and regularly helps clients who are unclear of what assets and land they own in their sole name, what is owned by third parties or other family members, and what is owned by the farming partnership or business.
Laura Fahy, a partner in the wills, estates & tax planning team in Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ Hull office, said: “I feel privileged to be able to help so many hardworking individuals and business owners across the region to safeguard their assets ahead of April 2026, when key inheritance tax changes will come into force. It’s a big undertaking, but an incredibly rewarding one that I’m thrilled to lead on in my new role.”
Having worked at Wilkin Chapman Rollits for over 10 years, Laura has seen the leading firm undergo extensive growth, with her Hull team now 11-strong. As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Laura has vast experience in preparing complex wills and trusts, as well as advising on all areas of probate, including estates and tax. She is also a trustee for the local charity Hull4Heroes, which benefits from her experience working in Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ dedicated military sector.
With a total of 500 staff and partners across a network of locations in Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley, the firm provides trusted legal and insolvency advice to both private and commercial clients. As the region’s largest law firm, with national capability, Wilkin Chapman Rollits is uniquely positioned to offer the strength of a big firm with the personal, client-centred approach of a trusted partner.
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