Wilkin Chapman has announced the promotion of four new senior solicitors across its Lincoln, Grimsby, and Beverley offices, bolstering its commercial property and debt recovery divisions.
Gillian Smith, a seasoned commercial property lawyer, has secured her promotion within Wilkin Chapman‘s Lincoln office. Meanwhile, the Grimsby office has welcomed the elevation of two experts – Amber Aisthorpe in debt recovery and Tom Furneaux in commercial property. Additionally, Hannah Loft, an adept commercial property litigator, will divide her time between the Grimsby and Beverley offices.
Smith, who joined Wilkin Chapman’s Commercial Property team in Lincoln in 2020, has exhibited proficiency in handling intricate matters such as freehold and leasehold transactions, commercial landlord-tenant affairs, as well as secured lending and refinancing. She expressed her enthusiasm for this new role, emphasising the ongoing challenges brought about by the current cost of living and mortgage rate concerns.
Amber Aisthorpe, with an extensive decade-long association with Wilkin Chapman, specialises in debt recovery and collaborates with local authorities to resolve unpaid taxes, insolvency, and adult social care disputes. Aisthorpe underscored the significance of recouping owed funds for stretched council budgets, ensuring their allocation towards public services.
Hannah Loft, a specialist in commercial disputes and property litigation, detailed her transition from a paralegal to a senior solicitor. Loft, who has been instrumental in establishing the disputes team in East Yorkshire, is now enhancing the firm’s offering on both banks of the Humber.
Tom Furneaux, who has spent over 10 years with Wilkin Chapman, has been recognised for his expertise in new build housing site setups, infrastructure, and utility agreements. Despite recent reports of a downturn in the property market, Furneaux revealed that the slowdown hasn’t been as drastic as initially anticipated, particularly in the new build sector.
Wilkin Chapman, the largest law firm in the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire region, boasts more than 400 partners and staff distributed across its Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley, and Louth offices. This recent announcement underscores the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal and insolvency advice to local, national, and international clients, while its impressive ranking in the Legal 500 2023 further solidifies its reputation as a leader in the legal industry.
Left to right: Hannah Loft, Gillian Smith, Tom Furneaux, Amber Aisthorpe
Image: Wilkin Chapman
Josie Miller
Josie Miller is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.
