McCormicks > Harrogate, England > Firm Profile
McCormicks Offices
First Floor, Scottsdale House
Springfield Avenue
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 2HR
England
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McCormicks > The Legal 500 Rankings
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1
Standing out for the profile of Harrogate-based founding partner Peter McCormick, the sports practice at McCormicks continues to provide top-tier advice to its footballing clients, while also assisting a growing number of shooting groups, rugby clubs and cycling associations. McCormick, who has previously served as chairman of the Premier League and the Football Association, continues to actively advise on the regulatory and contracting aspects of major sports club buyouts and takeovers. He co-leads the practice alongside James Towler, a key contact for corporate and commercial matters, and sports litigation expert David Birks, who joined from Newtons Solicitors Limited in November 2022. Philip Edmondson departed the group in 2022 to Ward Hadaway LLP.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; James Towler; David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Iain Jenkins
Testimonials
‘Brilliant sports law firm. Niche expertise, particularly in football.’
‘Peter McCormick is in a class of his own.’
Key clients
Harrogate Town AFC
IDRS/The EFL
Leeds Rhinos RLFC
Leeds United FC
Long Mountain Shoot
McLaren Formula One
Norwich City FC
Otley RUFC
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd
Ripley Castle Shoot Group
The Bostik League (Isthmian League)
The Northern Premier League
The Premier League
The Premier League Charitable Fund
The Southern League
Visit Harrogate
Walsall FC
Wycombe Wanderers FC
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 2
McCormicks is frequently entrusted by sport sector clients on competition law matters, with a particular focus on the football industry. Beyond that, the firm is also active in the construction and entertainment sectors. The team is led by Peter McCormick from Harrogate, who has experience in handling large-scale competition investigations. Philip Edmondson has recently departed the firm.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick
Key clients
Premier League
GMI Construction Holdings PLC
GMI Construction Group PLC
Andrew Hindle, Serving Sport Ltd and Venue Hospitality Ltd
Leeds United Football Club
Analytix Ltd
Work highlights
- Represented GMI Construction Holdings PLC and GMI Construction Group PLC in a successful appeal against penalties imposed by the OFT, totalling £2.7 million, in an investigation related to bid rigging.
- Represented the Premier League in a high-profile arbitration brought by Leyton Orient.
- Represented the Premier League as interveners in a case brought by HMRC to challenge the football creditor rules regime.
Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 2
The Harrogate-based McCormicks team handles the full spectrum of criminal defence work, with particular specialisms in historic sexual abuse, drug conspiracy, and corporate manslaughter cases. Additionally, the group has significant experience working with pharmacists and sports bodies. Peter Minnikin leads the team.Practice head(s):
Peter Minnikin
Testimonials
‘Tremendous firm, and has been for a long time.’
‘Peter Minnikin – responsive, efficient, no-nonsense approach. Works incredibly hard, thinks outside the box, and delivers. Knows his law. Always follows up on calls/emails.’
Key clients
National Pharmaceutical Association
Leeds United FC
Professional Games Match Officials Ltd
City Football Group Ltd
The Dawson Group
Work highlights
- Representing the National Pharmaceutical Association in a number of cases relating to gross negligence manslaughter and other serious criminal offences.
- Acting in a range of regulatory matters for Leeds United FC, and criminal matters for the players.
- Advising the parent group of Manchester City Football club on health and safety legislation and other regulatory matters.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3
Peter McCormick leads the agriculture team at McCormicks, which is based in Harrogate. The team acts for a number of landed estates and other clients range from charities to individuals; its workload includes advising on the diversification of estates, residential property developments, and refinancing issues. The group also has particular expertise in handling work relating to shooting estates.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick
Other key lawyers:
Elaine Lightfoot; James Towler; David Birks
Testimonials
‘You can expect a quick efficient service to all enquiries.’
‘Peter McCormick is great to do business with and also as a trustee a pleasure to work with. Elaine Lightfoot is a delight and a very knowledgeable solicitor and always available at short notice and will know the person within McCormicks to answer a particular question if it’s not in her field of expertise.’
‘They have dedicated teams to cover all aspects of work who are knowledgeable in their respective fields.’
‘Will Bates has always given the service I require.’
Key clients
The Estate of the late John Herbert Strutt
The Ripley Castle Shoot
Rudding Park
WMT
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Cheywynde School
Royal Horticultural Society
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Long Mountain Shoot
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise The Estate of the late John Herbert Strutt and the associated Trusts and Charities with regards, in particular, the potential future development and/or sale of various properties held within the residuary estate.
- Continuing to assist and advise The Ripley Castle Shoot on all relevant aspects of the shoot along with several others (including Hob Green, Cayton Gill, the Nidd Estate, Mountgarret Shoot).
- Advising the Rudding Park Estate including advising on re-financing of the entire estate with advice relating to a dispute with the local council relating to granting of an entertainment licence to a neighbouring property.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
Peter McCormick leads the Harrogate-based charities team at McCormicks, offering advice to high-profile charities with focuses ranging from sports to nature. Working closely with the firm’s private client and corporate and commercial teams, the practice offers a range of expertise to clients, with notable experience supporting charities with their creation and registration with the Charities Commission, and providing continual advice regarding governance and development issues.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick
Testimonials
‘The team at McCormicks are always able to respond to our issues. They react quickly and engage in a clear and thorough manner explaining complex issues well whilst providing appropriate levels of support.’
‘Everyone is friendly and efficient. They respond clearly to questions and provide appropriate advice with follow-up as needed.’
Key clients
Harrogate International Festivals
John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation, John Strutt Memorial Foundation, John Strutt Conservation Foundation, The John Strutt Charity
The Premier League Charitable Fund
War Memorial Trust
The Football Foundation
The Helen Feather Memorial Trust
The Harrogate Operatic Players
The Royal Horticultural Society
The Outward Bound Trust
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Rydale Special Families
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise The Estate of the late John Herbert Strutt on the complex estate and the associated trusts and charities with regards, in particular, to the proposed future development and/or sale of various properties within the residuary estate.
- Advising War Memorials Trust on a wide range of matters including the drafting of new governing documentation and advice regarding the charity’s relocation of premises in London.
- Providing a full service to The Premier League Charitable Fund with regards all commercial and charitable arrangements between the charity, its funding partners and specialist service providers.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3
McCormicks‘ Harrogate private client team is led by Elaine Lightfoot. Its contentious trusts and probate workload includes Inheritance Act claims; issues of will validity involving issues of capacity and duress; and disputes between executors and trustees. The team also has experience regarding contentious family trusts and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act claims.Practice head(s):
Elaine Lightfoot
Other key lawyers:
David Birks; Stephen Hopwood
Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 3
The ‘fast-paced and accurate’ family team at McCormicks in Harrogate is led by managing partner Stephen Hopwood. The team includes Resolution members, and is committed to early negotiation and resolution for clients. Clients benefit from distinct experts in finance, domestic abuse and children law across the team. Its workload includes financial remedy after separation in situations involving businesses and multiple properties; additionally, the team has experience in children law cases involving domestic abuse and criminal allegations.Practice head(s):
Stephen Hopwood
Testimonials
‘The team at McCormicks are very fast-paced and accurate.’
‘They provide pragmatic advice and do not do work just for a fee.’
‘They have long-term, well-thought-out strategies and stick to them.’
‘They are professional, prompt and provide you with confidence and industry leading advice.’
‘Stephen Hopwood – diligent, well researched pragmatic advice. Very organised and also caring. A pleasure to deal with.’
Work highlights
- Advised a husband whose properties are held in family trusts, including gaming land.
- Advised a wife in financial proceedings who had been subject to controlling and coercive behaviour.
- Advised a mother about a children matter who had been subject to an abusive relationship.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
Harrogate-based McCormicks‘ offering includes contractual and construction disputes, debt recovery, professional negligence, and contentious probate. The firm has specific expertise in sports litigation, with notable clients including the Premier League, Leeds United Football Club, and Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. David Birks leads the team, having joined the firm from Newtons Solicitors Limited in November 2022. Peter McCormick OBE is a key name.Practice head(s):
David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Premier League
Rudding Park Ltd
Leeds United Football Club
GMI Construction Group PLC
Oracle Finance Limited
DFS Furniture Company Limited
Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited/Legal and Professional Insurance
The Isthmian League (Bostik League)
InTechnology PLC
The Estate of the late John Strutt and associated trusts
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club
Long Mountain Shoot
Work highlights
- Represented Leeds United Football Club Limited in relation to the investigations and eventual charges brought by the FA and EFL respectively.
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
McCormicks specialises particularly in employment law relating to sports organisations, with football and shooting being the two primary points of focus. The Harrogate team is active in relation to non-contentious work and it is led by Peter McCormick, who is eminent in the sports sector. Iain Jenkins is another name of note, and he acts across the technology, manufacturing, financial services, recruitment, transport, and healthcare sectors.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They have a strong understanding of data protection legislation in general, but especially as it applies to the field of occupational health.’
‘Iain Jenkins is an exceptional solicitor, being both knowledgeable and approachable. He explained the process to us regarding our issue, allowing us to make an evidenced-based and informed decision regarding our case. He was responsive, illuminating and professional. A joy to work with.’
‘Really good service, good at listening and providing options to be taken, which are very clearly explained. Efficient and friendly. Superb service.’
‘Peter McCormick is a great advocate for his company and Iain Jenkins is excellent; very clear on our way ahead, the costs, always available, cooperative and deals with issues quickly and articulately – the right person to have in your side. He has helped me achieve our complex goals with employment law. The best.’
‘Excellent support and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
The Premier League
Professional Game Match Officials Limited
Leeds United Football Club Limited
Norwich City FC
Harrogate Town AFC Ltd
The Premier League Charitable Fund Ltd
Harrogate International Festivals Ltd
Walsall FC
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Rudding Park
Redline Specialist Cars
Work highlights
- Advising Professional Game Match Officials on numerous matters originally arising from the pandemic and issues relating to officials, working practices, and various capability issues.
- Advising Professional Game Match Officials on a key case before the Supreme Court on worker status against HMRC.
- Advising Leeds United on an ongoing basis and following a new HR appointment.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4
David Birks leads the Harrogate-based insolvency and restructuring offering at McCormicks. The team’s practice focuses on sporting clients, with notable ongoing work for the Premier League. It also acts for and alongside local insolvency practitioners. Former practice head Philip Edmondson left for Ward Hadaway LLP in November 2022.Practice head(s):
David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Premier League
Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited/Legal and Professional Insurance
DFS Furniture Company Limited
Oracle Finance Limited
Leeds United Football Club Limited
Walsh Taylor Business Support Group
Rudding Park
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club
Work highlights
- Advising and representing the Premier League, with recent insolvency-related matters including providing advice relating to Portsmouth FC, representing the client in a challenge to the Football Creditor Rules, and representing the client in arbitration proceedings brought by Leyton Orient in relation to West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium.
- Represented the Premier League in proceedings threatened by its former landlord pursuant to an Authorised Guarantee Agreement, providing insolvency advice as to the tenant’s status throughout.
- Representing Wycombe Wanderers in its eight-figure claim in the insolvent estate of Derby County Football Club.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4
Peter McCormick and Elaine Lightfoot co-head the private client team at McCormicks in Harrogate. The team focuses on estate planning and administration, alongside Court of Protection matters, and advising trustees and settlors. It has particular expertise regarding charitable trusts and the administration of complex estates.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; Elaine Lightfoot
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Sly; David Birks
Key clients
The Estate of the late John Herbert Strutt
The Premier League
Work highlights
- Advising on the estate of the late John Herbert Strutt and the associated charities with regards, in particular to, the future development and/or sale of various properties comprised within the residuary estate.
- Advising the Premier League in respect of structures to protect young players from financial predators.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
McCormicks is instructed by standout clients in the sport and entertainment sectors, as well as a number of developers and landed estates, to advise on boundary disputes, possession claims, and a diverse range of contentious tenancy matters. The practice is newly led by David Birks, who joined the team from Newtons Solicitors Limited in November 2022 and excels at handling dilapidation claims and development disputes. Commercial litigator Peter McCormick maintains close relations with the firm’s sports clients, and Alex Harrison is a key contact for landlord and tenant disputes. Former practice head Philip Edmondson left in November 2022.Practice head(s):
David Birks
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Executors of John Herbert Strutt Deceased
GMI Holdings PLC
John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation
John Strutt Conservation Foundation
John Strutt Memorial Foundation
Leeds United FC
Long Mountain Shoot
Solicitors Indemnity Fund
The Premier League
Work highlights
- Acted for the Premier League in proceedings threatened by its former landlord pursuant to an Authorised Guarantee Agreement, providing insolvency advice as to the tenant’s status throughout.
- Advised Leeds United FC on all aspects of the club’s properties, securing successful outcomes on a variety of property-oriented disputes.
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 4
Particularly well known for football-related disciplinary and regulatory matters, McCormicks also handles SRA investigations, SDT defence matters and NPA work. Peter McCormick OBE is a widely-respected sports expert; Peter Minnikin‘s workload incorporates disciplinary work involving medical practitioners; and litigation head David Birks is a 2022 hire from Newtons Solicitors Limited.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick OBE; Peter Minnikin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very commercial, pragmatic and practical.‘
‘Peter McCormick OBE is an outstanding lawyer in this field.‘
Key clients
National Pharmacy Association
The Premier League
Professional Game Match Officials
Leeds United FC
Sport Resolutions (UK)
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Solicitors Indemnity Fund
Liverpool FC
CEDR
IDRS
Wycombe Wanderers FC
Alec Graham
Work highlights
- Represents solicitors and firms of solicitors that are the subject of investigations and/or subsequent prosecutions by the SRA.
- Acts for the National Pharmacy Association in disciplinary proceedings.
- Acts for the Premier League in professional disciplinary matters.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 4
Harrogate-based McCormicks leverages the experience and standing of Peter McCormick, chairman of the legal advisory group of the Premier League, to advise the elite league on a range of matters, including owners’ and directors’ tests during club takeovers and acquisitions, third party ownership disputes, and the stewardship and policing of stadiums. Sports team head James Towler is also a key contact for the Premier League, taking on a number of corporate and commercial instructions, including sponsorship, media rights and data protection agreements. David Birks, head of the commercial disputes and sports litigation team, is a further name to note.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; James Towler; David Birks
Testimonials
‘Deeply rooted in the football industry, excellent for both contentious and non-contentious work.’
‘Peter McCormick is almost certainly unique in the football law sector, given his very senior position within the Football Association.’
‘James Towler knows his way around the industry and is careful, courteous, and efficient.’
‘Their contact list, respect and industry knowledge is massive. They immediately get to the point and are practical and pragmatic in approach.’
Key clients
The Premier League
The Premier League Charitable Fund
Leeds United FC
The Bostik League
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd
Frank Boddy
The Ripley Castle Shoot Group
Visit Harrogate
Harrogate Town AFC
Walsall FC
McLaren Formula One
Otley RUFC
Leeds Rhinos RLFC
Robert Jones
Liam Botham
Norwich City FC
The EFL
The Southern League
The Northern Premier League
Wycombe Wanderers FC
Lord Ian Botham
Work highlights
- Advising the Premier League on a range of matters.
- Assisting Leeds United FC with a number of disputes.
- Assisting members of the public and shoots with applications for Shotgun and Firearms Certificates, including appeals against the refusal or revocation of such certificates.
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 5
McCormicks is well regarded for its expertise in the sports sector, with the team acting for clients such as the Premier League, Leeds United FC and Norwich City FC. Beyond that, it is also active in the hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as acting for owner-managed companies. The team is co-headed by Peter McCormick and James Towler from Harrogate.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; James Towler
Key clients
The Premier League
The Premier League Charitable Fund
AQ Limited
Harrogate International Festivals Limited
Abacus Direct Limited
Leeds United FC Limited
Norwich City Football Club Limited
Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Trust
Redline Specialist Cars Limited
Dot + Diode Limited
PGMOL
Work highlights
- Advised Norwich City Football Club on an issue of convertible preference shares for £10m.
- Advised the Premier League in relation to the owners and directors test on the sale of Chelsea Football Club, value c£4.5bn.
- Advised Leeds United on its commercial contracts, including sponsorship agreements, throughout the year.
Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 5
McCormicks stands out for its property advice to clients in the sports, charity and leisure sectors, including Leeds United and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. The team frequently advises on the property aspects of sports clubs’ commercial operations, and it also assists with the development of residential and freehold sites for cultural and leisure activities. The practice is additionally instructed by an increasing number of retailers and corporate entities, which instruct the team to handle portfolio management as well as landlord and tenant work. Heather Roberts, who leads the team, is recommended for her ability to advise on a wide array of commercial property matters.Practice head(s):
Heather Roberts
Key clients
John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation
John Strutt Conservation Foundation
John Strutt Memorial Foundation
Leeds United FC
The John Strutt Charity
The Premier League
Yorkshire Agricultural Society
Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 5
Peter McCormick OBE – McCormicks McCormicks' senior partner Peter McCormick OBE is nationally recognised for his expertise in sports-related mediations. McCormick is chair of the Premier League since 2022, and is regularly delegated by its board to resolve disputes through mediation.Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 5
McCormicks regularly acts for some of the most significant organisations in the sports and entertainment sectors on defamation and other aspects of reputation management. Splitting his time between Harrogate and London, practice head Peter McCormick handles defamation issues for prominent sports clients, including Leeds United and The Premier League.Practice head(s):
Peter McCormick; David Birks
Testimonials
‘Peter McCormick with his vast client base is a calm port in the storm that can suddenly surround individuals and corporate entities. He has built a team around him that supports his culture.’
‘Peter McCormick – sound commercial advice on a number of reputational matters.’
Key clients
The Premier League
Leeds United FC
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd
Harrogate International Festivals
Jamboree Entertainment Ltd and JWTC Ltd
Rudding Park Limited
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club
Work highlights
- Advising the Premier League on defamation and reputation management issues.
- Advised a client on an article published by a prominent tabloid newspaper seeking to cast doubt on the client’s good faith towards its own fans.
- Instructed on a permanent retainer by PGMOL in respect of defamation and reputation management work.
McCormicks > Firm Profile
McCormicks is an award-winning practice in Harrogate with an impressive client list across the legal disciplines. The firm is regarded as one of the top regional practices, acting in high-profile national cases as well as those in its region.
The firm: McCormicks has grown organically and is admired for its continued ability to operate successfully in the corporate and commercial field, while at the same time maintaining its strong commitment to its private client practice. The firm’s traditional core values of integrity, technical excellence and hard work are combined with its reputation for vibrancy and dynamism, and a team that is committed to providing clients with an unrivalled quality of service and innovation.
Types of work undertaken: The firm’s major areas of work are corporate/commercial (including commercial property), commercial dispute resolution, competition, corporate recovery, corporate crime and risk, and private client (including family/matrimonial and charities).
The corporate/commercial department has a client list that includes owner-managed businesses, partnerships, pIcs and private businesses, banks, insurance companies, and personalities from the world of sport and entertainment. High-profile clients in the region include Rudding Park and Harrogate International Festivals. The complete range of commercial work is handled, including corporate, commercial property, franchising, intellectual property, liquor licensing and employment. The firm has established a burgeoning reputation in IT and e-commerce, advising a number of internet and new media businesses. Leisure is also an important sector. Peter McCormick has been chairman of Visit Harrogate, responsible for all business and leisure tourism in the region.
The practice has an outstanding reputation in sports and media/entertainment law, and senior partner Peter McCormick is regarded as one of the leading sports lawyers in the country, having advised on a number of high-profile matters involving football, rugby, horse racing, cricket, motor racing and athletics. He is chairman of the Legal Advisory Group of the Premier League. He has been acting chairman of the Premier League 2014-15. He is chairman of the Football Board of the Premier League, vice chairman of the FA, a member of the Football Regulatory Authority, Professional Game Board and chairman of the FA International Committee and FA Group Remuneration Committee. Other clients include Leeds United FC, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, Harrogate Town FC and a variety of other leading organisations, clubs and individuals.
The firm has a strong reputation for regulatory and disciplinary work in sport and the professions. Mr McCormick acts for the Premier League and as a chairman of tribunals and arbitrations. He is also a chairman of Sports Resolutions (UK).
McCormicks’ commercial dispute resolution practice covers the full range of work in this area, including personal litigation, defamation, property litigation, contract disputes, construction, intellectual property, debt recovery for national institutions and contentious trusts and probate. The firm is very strong in alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
The firm has developed nationally recognised expertise in competition law, having represented a construction company in the largest investigation ever launched by the OFT and which became the largest appeal case in the history of the Competition Appeal Tribunal. McCormicks’ work on behalf of the appellant resulted in the case becoming the first successful appeal on all issues, including liability, in a case in which penalties had been imposed under the Competition Act 1998.
McCormicks has a legendary reputation in criminal law, covering all aspects of this practice area, with a focus on serious fraud, major crime and defence of tax investigations. Under the leadership of partner Peter Minnikin, the team has acted in a number of major tax cases and VAT tribunals. The firm was one of the first in the country to be appointed to the Specialist Fraud Panel and the Very High Costs Cases (VHCC) Panel. Another specialism is defending road traffic cases of all types.
Private client work includes residential conveyancing and a full service on wills, trusts and settlements. Inheritance and tax planning are other strengths. The firm is a leader in charity law and acts for over 20 charities, including the Outward Bound Trust, The Premier League Charitable Fund, the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation and War Memorials Trust.
All aspects of family work are covered, including childcare, divorce and separation, and the firm was among the first to be accredited under the Law Society’s Family Law Scheme. Mr Rogers is a member of the Family Panel and the firm is a member of Resolution.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Partner | Peter McCormick OBE | p.mccormick@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Corporate and Commercial | James Towler | j.towler@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
General Crime | Brian Nuttney | b.nuttney@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Corporate Crime, Fraud and Risk | Peter Minnikin | p.minnikin@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Dispute Resolution (including Commercial, Mediation and Personal) | David Birks | d.birks@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Employment | Iain Jenkins | i.jenkins@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Commercial Property | Claire Baker-Kemp | c.baker-kemp@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Private Client | Elaine Lightfoot | e.lightfoot@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Managing Partner | Stephen Hopwood | s.hopwood@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Family and Matrimonial | Lucy Harbron | l.harbron@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Corporate and Commercial | David Leuchars | d.leuchars@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
General Crime | Shah Ahmed | s.ahmed@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Residential Property | Katy Maskell-Edwards | k.maskell-edwards@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
General Crime | Kate Develly | k.develly@mccormicks-solicitors.com | 01423 530630 |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Shah Ahmed | Shah is a Solicitor working in the Crime and Fraud Department and… | View Profile | |
Claire Baker-Kemp | Claire has extensive experience in commercial property transactions, which includes: acquisition and… | View Profile | |
David Birks | David is the Head of the Commercial Disputes and Sports Litigation Team.… | View Profile | |
Lucy Harbron | Lucy is a Solicitor in our Family Department. She assists the Head… | View Profile | |
Stephen Hopwood | Stephen is the Managing Partner and heads the McCormicks Family Department, ranked… | View Profile | |
Iain Jenkins | Iain Jenkins heads up our Employment Department. Iain specialises in Employment Law… | View Profile | |
David Leuchars | David Leuchars is a Solicitor in our Corporate and Commercial Department. He… | View Profile | |
Elaine Lightfoot | Elaine Lightfoot heads up our Private Client Department. Elaine’s areas of expertise… | View Profile | |
Katy Maskell-Edwards | Katy Maskell-Edwards is an experienced Solicitor who leads the Residential Property Team. … | View Profile | |
Peter McCormick OBE | Peter McCormick is the Senior Partner at McCormicks. He is an internationally… | View Profile | |
Peter Minnikin | Peter is Head of the Crime, Corporate Crime and Risk Department at… | View Profile | |
Brian Nuttney | Brian is a Senior Associate Solicitor specialising in all aspects of Crime.… | View Profile | |
James Towler | James is a Partner and heads up the Company/Commercial Department. He has… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 6 Number of other UK fee-earners : 13Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Peter Banks
COMPANY/FIRM: Rudding Park Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: McCormicks mainly do commercial work for us such as contracts and leases, however there has been some commercial dispute resolution and some employment issues. What we most like about McCormicks is your honesty and forthright opinion. If we are wasting our time you tell us. Then you actually perform, and if necessary, demonstrate an iron fist in a charming velvet glove.
CLIENT: Sharon Canavar
COMPANY/FIRM: Harrogate International Festivals
TESTIMONIAL: Our work is undertaken by people we know, trust and like, and is provided in a refreshingly clear and accessible way.
CLIENT: Frances Moreton
COMPANY/FIRM: War Memorials Trust
TESTIMONIAL: McCormicks provide amazing support for the charity dealing with whatever we throw at them. When you are a small charity the things that cross your desk end up being rather diverse and often new, but McCormicks are on hand to help us make sense of it all.
CLIENT: Richard Doyle
COMPANY/FIRM: Radish Investments
TESTIMONIAL: What I like most about working with McCormicks is they are flexible, easy to do business with and competitive.
CLIENT: Garry Plant
COMPANY/FIRM: Harrogate Town Football Club
TESTIMONIAL: The club has a long and fruitful relationship with McCormicks built on trust and results. Both organisations are involved in results-driven sectors. McCormicks understand who we are, what we do and how we breathe. McCormicks are straight talking, no jargon and offer a quick, candid assessment of matters, relevant and to the point, offering simple choices.
CLIENT: Chris France
COMPANY/FIRM: BeerHawk
TESTIMONIAL: McCormicks are my favourite fixers! When you start a business from scratch, you get into all kinds of pickles and scrapes. You get things wrong, get into unintended arguments and just frequently find yourself on unfamiliar territory. When I can tick any of the above, I come to McCormicks. In short, I have never come off badly in any of the cases McCormicks has helped out with, McCormicks has always given great advice and, every time we wrap things up, I think the outcome is infinitely better than it would have been had we tried to muddle through alone.
CLIENT: Karla Newbury-Jones
COMPANY/FIRM: Mrs Energy
TESTIMONIAL: McCormicks helped us with a legal matter that was confusing; their staff were friendly and approachable and we felt they dealt with our query in a quick and efficient manner. The cost of their services was very competitive as well! McCormicks are friendly and professional, they have a hands-on approach and were speedy and precise when dealing with our query.
CLIENT: Nigel Pulling
COMPANY/FIRM: Yorkshire Agricultural Society
TESTIMONIAL: McCormicks is our “go to” firm when we need advice on contentious issues and from time to time (unfortunately!) we do. They provide straight-talking, no nonsense, punchy advice which gets to the heart of the issue quickly. Peter McCormick and I also share a love of football, though I think he’d say I support the wrong team!
CLIENT: Nick Robinson
COMPANY/FIRM: Ryman League
TESTIMONIAL: The first major work was the overhaul of our Articles and since then we have had help with sponsorship and commercial contracts and Rule amendments. We enjoy the ease of working with McCormicks, the speed with which the work is carried out and the value we get with good pricing by the firm.
CLIENT: Trevor Stroud, Chairman
COMPANY/FIRM: Wycombe Football Club and Supporters Trust
TESTIMONIAL: We are deeply indebted to James Towler, Emily Steed and Heather Roberts at McCormicks Solicitors, who advised us throughout what proved to be a complex transaction. Their deep knowledge of the legal intricacies of the football world was of enormous help to us during the extended negotiations, and they were a pleasure to deal with. Their advice was always clear, pragmatic and constructive, and enabled us all to focus without distraction on the key issues which needed to be resolved. We really appreciate the way they handled the transaction for us.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Regulatory and Disciplinary Client)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: From the moment we first had contact with Peter Minnikin, he filled both my wife and I with confidence. He was realistic in his advice, robust and utterly professional and for the first time we felt we had someone who understood the situation and was firmly on our side. All in all, he has provided us with exceptional service and helped us through the most difficult of times, giving us the confidence not to give up but fight on. We cannot recommend his services highly enough.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Criminal Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I feel very lucky that I chose Brian Nuttney to represent me at my recent Court appearance for speeding. Mr Nuttney instantly put me at east, at what was a very stressful time. He undertook a thorough and constructive review of my case and the circumstances around it and put forward a well structured and reasoned plea for mitigation, resulting in a fine and a 28 day ban, at a speed of 117 mph, was a better resolution than I had feared. I would happily recommend Brian to anyone seeking high quality legal help.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Family Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: Both Stephen Hopwood and Carol Hancock have been very supportive over the last 16 months and have guided me carefully through this very long and at times gruelling process. Carol spent the day with me at the final Hearing and kept me calm and focussed, which was a mission in itself as the stress is phenomenal during the Hearings.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Private Client Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I felt I had to write a few words in praise of Elaine Lightfoot. Following the death of my father we were lucky enough to be led through the probate procedure by Elaine who always kept us up to date with what was happening at every stage and replying to emails very swiftly. Elaine took the stress out of the whole thing from start to finish and on behalf of my family I would like to thank your company for having such a delightful solicitor working for you and we would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Criminal Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: When life throws you into a circus of trauma and stress, not of your own making, it is easy to panic. This happened to me. However, I had Peter Minnikin as my lawyer. Peter’s expertise in the field of criminal law is outstanding. Peter was reassuring on a consistent basis which you need, as the lows can be very low at times. He had faith and belief in me which he fought for, and I truly felt defended by him, which matters so much. I cannot say enough good things about Peter. He is a true gentleman and a brilliant lawyer who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
CLIENT: Confidential – Client Feedback Questionnaire (Family Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: N/A
TESTIMONIAL: I can only admire Stephen’s calm but methodical approach, reassuring me that all was well, especially when I was feeling a little ” wobbly” about things. He is an absolute pleasure to work with and I always had confidence in his decisions. His support was fantastic throughout the build up to and during the Hearings.
Diversity
McCormicks treats everyone equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect, regardless of their disability, gender, age, marital status, race, racial group, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
We apply our Equality and Diversity Policy to everyone we deal with – staff, clients, contacts, job applicants and the public.
When recruiting our lawyers, intellectual achievement, personality, character, ambition, a sense of humour and commitment to hard work are crucial qualities, regardless of background.
Press Releases
McCormicks Makes A Move
27th June 2024 Leading Harrogate law firm McCormicks Solicitors is making a move after 33 years in its East Parade home.- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
Firm Rankings
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Dispute resolution > Professional discipline
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport