McCormicks > Harrogate, England > Firm Profile

McCormicks
First Floor, Scottsdale House
Springfield Avenue
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 2HR
England

Email firm Visit website 01423 530 630

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1

McCormicks acts for an impressive roster of football clubs and associations, prominent sporting individuals and professional cycling clients, which seek out the firm for the extensive expertise of founding partner Peter McCormick, a pre-eminent sports lawyer who is the former chairman of the Premier League, the Football Association and the Football Foundation. Leading the practice alongside McCormick are James Towler, who focuses on corporate and commercial transactions, and David Birks, whose wide-ranging expertise covers sporting disputes and Premier League and EFL regulations. Peter Minnikin is well versed in game shooting law and regularly advises estates; and Iain Jenkins assists sporting clients with employment matters.

Hall of Fame

Peter McCormick – McCormicks

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; James Towler; David Birks

Other key lawyers:

Peter Minnikin; Iain Jenkins

Testimonials

‘Sheer strength and depth of experience.’

‘Peter McCormick has a very safe and secure pair of commercial hands.’

‘McCormicks has acquired national and international recognition from its humble home of Harrogate. All thanks to the inimitable Peter McCormick – a true legend in the football world.’

‘Peter McCormick is calm, thoughtful in his approach and always sees not only the bigger picture but around several corners outside of that picture, such is his ability to future-proof his advice and his thinking.’

Key clients

The Premier League

The Premier League Charitable Fund

Leeds United FC

The Bostik League

Professional Game Match Officials Ltd

Ripley Castle Shoot Group

Visit Harrogate

Harrogate Town AFC

Walsall FC

McLaren Formula One

Otley RUFC

Leeds Rhinos RLFC

Norwich City FC

IDRS/The EFL

The Southern League

The Northern Premier League

Wycombe Wanderers FC

Norwich City FC

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 2

The sports sector expertise at McCormicks is evidenced by the team's frequent work for the Premier League, while the firm’s wider experience was recently showcased in its role acting on behalf of GMI Construction and GMI Construction Holdings in the context of a high-profile investigation launched by the Office of Fair Trading. Football sector expert Peter McCormick and David Birks share leadership duties from the firm’s Harrogate office.

Leading partners

Peter McCormick - McCormicks

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; David Birks

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 an abitration brought by Leyton Orient.
Represented the Premier League as interveners in a case brought by HMRC to challenge the so-called Football Creditor Rules regime.

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 2

McCormicks, based in Harrogate, covers the full range of fraud and general crime matters, with a growing practice in regulatory issues. Historic sexual abuse and drug conspiracy cases are particular areas of strength for the team, which counts prominent businesses such as Leeds United FC and the National Pharmaceutical Association amongst its clients. Team lead Peter Minnikin covers matters relating to drugs and violence, and is experienced in tax fraud. Mark Fowler is a key name.

Leading partners

Peter Minnikin - McCormicks

Practice head(s):

Peter Minnikin

Other key lawyers:

Mark Fowler; Brian Nuttney

Testimonials

‘Peter Minnikin is incredibly hard-working with excellent technical knowledge. Peter provides sensible and pragmatic advice and has quickly become a trusted and much valued adviser. Peter is very easy to work with and has delivered excellent outcomes for us. ’

‘McCormicks is incredibly responsive and flexible. The partner, associates, and business management teams with whom I worked were quick to respond to any inquiry.’

‘The McCormicks team was wonderful in helping my family and I stay informed and comfortable in a very confusing, stressful, and frightening situation.’

‘Peter Minnikin was superb at ensuring that we understood our situation, the various strategies and approaches for defence, and informed our decisions, while always making sure that it was OUR decision. He was informative, witty, always prepared, and, most importantly, calm throughout.’

‘McCormicks have an excellent criminal team. They are first class and one of the very few criminal solicitors’ firms whom I would recommend to anyone. They care about their clients and provide fantastic communication, client care, explanations of the criminal process, and give honest and realistic advice.’

‘They bend over backwards to ensure their service is of the highest level and that is what sets them apart from other criminal firms. They are on hand to help all of the time and nothing is too much trouble. The whole firm is run in an incredibly efficient manner.’

‘Peter Minnikin knows the law inside out and will fight his corner appropriately and with an eye on case strategy and tactics. He gives the very best service to every single client he represents, and his excellent interpersonal skills mean that he can get on with clients from any background and on any intellectual level.’

‘Brian Nuttney is a great lawyer who really cares about his clients and their cases. He is very hard-working and goes the extra mile for those he represents.’

Key clients

National Pharmaceutical Association

Leeds United FC

Professional Games Match Officials Ltd

City Football Group Ltd

Dawsongroup PLC

Work highlights

Represented the National Pharmaceutical Association in relation to a substantial number of cases.
Acted in a range of regulatory matters for Leeds United FC, and criminal matters for players.
Advised the parent group of Manchester City Football Club in relation to health and safety legislation and other regulatory matters.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

McCormicks, based in Harrogate, covers an array of agricultural issues faced by individuals and estates, with notable expertise in matters relating to shoots. Peter McCormick co-leads the department alongside Elaine Lightfoot, who additionally heads the private client practice within the firm. James Towler advises on restructurings and refinancings.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; Elaine Lightfoot

Other key lawyers:

James Towler; David Birks

Testimonials

‘If you want something, it is done fast.’

‘Extremely efficient business with knowledgeable people in all departments. Everything is prompt and to the point.’

‘Peter McCormick – experience and knowledge brilliant, and a good sense of humour in business is excellent. Elaine Lightfoot – a delight to work with and efficient and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

The Ripley Castle Shoot

Rudding Park

Sir Thomas & Lady Ingilby of the Ripley Castle estate

WMT

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Cheywynde School

Liam Botham

Royal Horticultural Society

Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Work highlights

Advised the estate of the late John Herbert Strutt and the associated trusts and charities with regards to the potential future development and/or sale of various properties held within the residuary estate.
Advised the Ripley Castle Shoot on all relevant aspect of the shoot.
Advised the Rudding Park Estate on re-financing of the entire estate, with advice relating to a dispute with the local council over the granting of an entertainment licence to a neighbouring property.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3

McCormicks is noted for its long term relationships with prominent groups such as the Premier League Charitable Fund, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the War Memorial Trust. Team lead Peter McCormick is a trustee of numerous charitable groups, and provides guidance on a range of constitutional, development, and governance issues. Private client specialist Elaine Lightfoot is a key name.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick

Other key lawyers:

Elaine Lightfoot

Testimonials

‘McCormicks has a great team with someone always available to help and advise. They all share an ability to communicate in simple language, clearly explaining what you need to know and what to do to get the desired outcome.’

‘All those we deal with provide excellent and prompt service. Our main contact is Peter McCormick, who liaises with his colleagues to ensure we deal with the appropriate person for our specific issue at any one time.’

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

Ryedale Special Families

Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust

Work highlights

Continued 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.
Advised the 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.
Provided 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.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

The ‘diverse team of experts’ at McCormicks is known for its focus on contentious sports work and is instructed by the likes of the Premier League and various professional football clubs. Beyond his focus on sports litigation, the ‘outstanding, knowledgeable and pragmatic‘ David Birks, who heads up the Harrogate-based team, frequently acts in property-related disputes. Peter McCormick is embedded in the football sector.

Practice head(s):

David Birks

Other key lawyers:

Peter McCormick; Regan Seminaro

Testimonials

‘McCormicks have a long-standing history in this area, and a diverse team of experts.’

‘David Birks is outstanding, knowledgeable and pragmatic in his approach.’

‘Regan Seminaro is undoubtedly a rising star in the industry – she works hard and makes you feel like you are her only, and most important client. ’

Key clients

The Premier League

Rudding Park Ltd

Leeds United Football Club

Oracle Finance Limited

DFS Furniture Company Limited

The Isthmian League (Bostik League)

Solar Plus (Yorkshire) Limited

The Estate of the late John Strutt and associated trusts

Wycombe Wanderers Football Club

Long Mountain Shoot

Redline Specialist Cars Ltd

Walsall FC

Lucas Radebe

Up & Running Limited

Buckley Jewellery Limited

Tomasso Brothers

Pinpoint Junior Football League

Suffolk County FA

Professional Cycling Services Limited (Team KTM UK)

Bartfields (UK) Limited

Malaga CF (Spanish Football Club)

British Racecourse Bookmakers Association Limited

Leeds United Conference and Events Limited

Gordon Strachan

War Memorials Trust

Work highlights

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.
Continue to advise Leeds United FC on all aspects of the Club’s properties, securing successful outcomes on a variety of property-oriented disputes.
Continuing to act in a number of property litigation disputes for a large estate which owns over 100 properties in Derbyshire and Cumbria, plus two estates in Scotland.

Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

McCormicks specialises in employment law work in the sports sector, with football-related matters being a notable area of focus. Peter McCormick leads the team and focuses on advising high-level sports organisations on a range of employment matters. Iain Jenkins advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters across a range of sectors including the technology, financial services, transport, logistics and healthcare industries.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; Iain Jenkins

Testimonials

‘Good, sensible advice on complex employment issues.’

‘Iain Jenkins has good technical legal knowledge and a good practical approach to applying it for his clients’ benefit.’

‘I have always found Iain Jenkins to be objective and fair in his advice, taking the time to understand the situation before presenting options for resolution. He has a pragmatic approach, which has been welcomed, and is highly supportive throughout any situation and to its conclusion.’

‘The employment team at McCormicks just ‘get it’ instantly, and help us navigate even the most complex employment-related issues.’

‘Iain Jenkins is calm, pragmatic and commercial.’

Key clients

The Premier League (The Football Association Premier League Limited)

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 in relation to a key case on worker status.
Advising Leeds United on an ongoing basis and following a new HR appointment.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 4

McCormicks specialises in the sports sector, providing insolvency advice to numerous prominent clients such as the Premier League and Leeds United Football Club. Team lead David Birks has broad contentious expertise, covering a range of commercial disputes. Peter McCormick is a key name.

Practice head(s):

David Birks

Other key lawyers:

Peter McCormick

Testimonials

‘Genuinely partner lead approach, very quick to react.’

‘David Birks stays very close to his clients and offers very constructive solutions. He is approachable and communicates with his clients in a very clear and understandable manner (never baffles with science).’

Work highlights

Advised and represented the Premier League in recent insolvency related matters, including representing the client in a landmark challenge to the Football Creditor Rules.
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.
Advised Wycombe Wanderers on its 8-figure claim in the insolvent estate of Derby County Football Club (in administration).

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 4

McCormicks assists executors, trustees, and potential beneficiaries on a broad range of contentious matters. In addition to private wealth disputes, the group provides support in Inheritance Act claims. Elaine Lightfoot leads the team from Harrogate. David Birks and Stephen Hopwood are key names within the department.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Lightfoot

Other key lawyers:

David Birks; Stephen Hopwood

Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 4

McCormicks‘ family team in Harrogate is recommended as ‘welcoming, caring and professional’, with expertise across finance, domestic abuse, and children law. Stephen Hopwood leads the team, with notable expertise in private children matters that have an international element, along with financial remedy issues following divorce.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Hopwood

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Harbron

Testimonials

‘The team are welcoming, caring and professional. All discussions are conducted without fuss and, despite the circumstances of my situation, centred on my concerns and the appropriate advice given.’

‘In particular, my contact with Stephan Hopwood gave me confidence in the divorce process and I also always felt that no question was stupid. I also worked with Lucy Harbron, her knowledge and efficiency again made the process much easier.’

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 on a Children matter who had been subject to an abusive relationship.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4

McCormicks is active on a broad range of trusts, wills, and Court of Protection matters, with further expertise in the administration of estates, including those involving international assets. Peter McCormick jointly leads the department alongside Elaine Lightfoot, who has notable strength in the agricultural sector.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; Elaine Lightfoot

Key clients

The Premier League

Work highlights

Advised the Premier League in respect of structures to protect young players from financial predators.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Private investors, property developers, landed estates and charities, primarily in the sporting sector, are some of the clients that McCormicks regularly assists with property litigation advice. The team handles boundary disputes, rights of way claims, dilapidations claims as well as contentious agricultural tenancy related work. David Birks leads the practice and excels on property insolvency matters and is supported by Peter McCormick who covers contentious property matters for the firm's landmark sporting clients.

Practice head(s):

David Birks

Other key lawyers:

Peter McCormick

Key clients

The Premier League

John Strutt Conservation Foundation

Leeds United FC

John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation

John Strutt Memorial Foundation

GMI Holdings PLC

Solicitors Indemnity Fund

Long Mountain Shoot

Work highlights

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.
Acting for the Estate of the late John Strutt in relation to the management of the Derbyshire Estate, involving managing difficult tenants, advising on forfeiture and distraint, interference with right of way and adverse possession claims.
Advising 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

McCormicks has a strong market reputation for football-related disciplinary and regulatory work. The 24-member team, which is ‘commercially pragmatic and solution focused’, also handles defence-side SRA investigations and SDT work, as well as NPA matters. The practice is co-led by renowned sports law specialist Peter McCormick OBE and Peter Minnikin, who acts in disciplinary work involving medical practitioners and physiotherapists. The group also includes David Birks, who leads the firm’s commercial disputes and sports litigation team.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick OBE; Peter Minnikin

Other key lawyers:

David Birks

Testimonials

‘The team is commercially pragmatic and solution focused, and it achieves the required outcome.’

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

Representing solicitors and firms of solicitors that are the subject of investigations and/or subsequent prosecutions by the SRA.
Acting for the National Pharmacy Association in relation to professional investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Acting for the Premier League in professional disciplinary matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 4

Providing bespoke advice on employment and tax matters within sport, in tandem with bringing a ‘commercial approach’ in contractual disputes, McCormicks regularly represents major sport associations and top-level teams. Peter McCormick co-heads from London and Harrogate, specialising in handling complex competition law cases, while Harrogate-based co-leads David Birks and James Towler assist in complex commercial disputes and on corporate transactions. Peter Minnikin is also noted as key.

Hall of Fame

Peter McCormick - McCormicks

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; James Towler; David Birks

Other key lawyers:

Peter Minnikin; Iain Jenkins

Testimonials

‘The team are commercially strong and have solid relationships within the sports sector.’

‘Peter McCormick and James Towler: they make you feel like you are their only client, they are available 24/7 and have a pragmatic and commercial approach.’

‘If we had any kind of football-related issue I would have no hesitation in putting McCormicks at the top of my list. The depth of industry knowledge they can bring to bear due to Peter McCormick’s years of experience of the game at the highest level marks the firm out from all its competitors.’

Key clients

The Premier League

The Premier League Charitable Fund

Leeds United FC

The Bostik League (Isthmian League)

Professional Game Match Officials Ltd

Frank Boddy (Shoot Proprietor) and the Ripley Castle Shoot Group

Visit Harrogate (Peter McCormick was the inaugural Chairman)

Harrogate Town AFC

Walsall FC

McLaren Formula One

Otley RUFC

Leeds Rhinos RLFC

Robert Jones (Long Mountain Shoot and other shoots)

Liam Botham (son of Lord Ian Botham)

Norwich City FC

IDRS/The EFL (formerly the Football League

The Southern League

The Northern Premier League

Wycombe Wanderers FC

Lord Ian Botham

Norwich City FC

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 5

Renowned for its prowess in the sports domain, McCormicks guides major clients such as the Premier League, Leeds United FC, and the PGMOL through a host of corporate and commercial issues. Extending beyond sports, the firm remains engaged in the hospitality and leisure sectors. The team’s leadership in Harrogate is shared by Peter McCormick and James Towler, with the latter excelling in the negotiation of sponsorship agreements.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; James Towler

Other key lawyers:

Janice Colley

Testimonials

‘Led by the inimitable Peter McCormick, the McCormicks team are pragmatic and approachable whilst possessing of the skills needed to be fierce negotiators when needed.’

‘Peter McCormick is unflappable and thoughtful in his approach and the epitome of commercial. His calming presence is what makes us continue to come back to McCormicks.

‘James Towler is very knowledgeable.’

‘David Leuchars is a rising star and not to be underestimated.’

‘People are exceptionally helpful and willing to work with you to resolve issues between parties. Their property solicitors division is also first class.’

‘The main people I have worked with are James Towler and Janice Colley. James is able to sit back and take a dispassionate view of negotiations and therefore his advice is always strong. Even when we have been in tricky situations he has been able to lay out the alternatives clearly and advise what in his view would be the best route forward. Janice is really good at detail and therefore ensuring that I as the client am clear on what needs to be completed. ’

Key clients

The Premier League

The Premier League Charitable Fund

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

Crimple Hall Limited

Work highlights

Advised Norwich City Football Club on a proposed issue of shares to Norfolk FB Holdings LLC. This would be a capitalisation of loan finance introduced to the Club by Norfolk. The matter included Takeover Panel matters and the drafting and issue of a Rule 9 Waiver Circular to shareholders.
Advised the Premier League in relation to the owners and directors test on the sale of Chelsea Football Club, value c£4.5bn and on the takeover of Newcastle United.
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 assists numerous private investors, property developers and landed estates and charities, primarily in the sports sector, on lease renewals, property sales, and residential developments. Claire Baker-Kemp assumed leadership of the practice in May 2023, following the departure of Heather Roberts in March 2023. Baker-Kemp is well-versed in property sales and purchases, and landlord and tenant matters, and is supported by senior partner Peter McCormick. Janice Colley joined the firm in March 2023, often assisting pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Practice head(s):

Claire Baker-Kemp

Other key lawyers:

Peter McCormick; Janice Colley

Key clients

John Strutt Conservation Foundation

The Premier League

John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation

John Strutt Memorial Foundation

The John Strutt Charity

Leeds United FC

Yorkshire Agricultural Society

Work highlights

Continue to act for the Estate of John Strutt, the Eden Place Estate, the Belper Estate together with associated trusts and charities including on residential property development involving substantial listed buildings on estate property.
Carry out annual due diligence on each Premier League Club’s compliance with the PL Ground Criteria set out in the PL Rules, and on the interparty aspects of the Owner and Directors test approval regime for new Owners of Clubs.
Act for Leeds United FC, continuously since 1989, handling high-profile property work.

Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 5

Peter McCormick OBE – McCormicks McCormicks‘ senior partner Peter McCormick OBE has an enviable reputation for his sports-related mediation work. McCormick is a member of the panel of legal specialists at Sport Resolutions (UK), which provides mediation and facilities for parties involved in sporting disputes.

Mediators

Peter McCormick OBE - McCormicks

Hall of Fame

Neil Goodrum - McCormicks

Work highlights

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 5

Harrogate-based McCormicks is well regarded for representing key organisations from the sports and entertainment sectors in defamation and reputation management matters. Practice head Peter McCormick OBE manages defamation and reputation management issues for high-profile sports clients, celebrities and leading business figures.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; David Birks

Testimonials

‘The team are outstanding at understanding the industry and advising in a pragmatic and commercially focused way.’

‘The firm consistently punches above its weight. The team can be ” lawyerly ” when that is needed but can also relate to a variety of clients. They are happy to work closely with clients and develop good relationships.’

‘Peter McCormick is truly a legend. His client base is strong and gives him a breadth of knowledge.’

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

Advises the Premier League on defamation and reputation management issues including confidential advice on remarks made in a number of newspapers and the press.
Advised Leeds United Football Club Limited in relation to an article published by a prominent tabloid newspaper seeking to cast doubt on the client’s good faith towards its own fans, reaching a resolution of having the defamatory material altered within a matter of days.
The firm has a permanent retainer from PGMOL in respect of defamation and reputation management work.

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.

Department	Name	Email	Telephone
Senior Partner	Peter McCormick OBE	[email protected]	01423 530630
Corporate and Commercial	James Towler	[email protected]	01423 530630
General Crime	Brian Nuttney	[email protected]	01423 530630
Corporate Crime, Fraud and Risk	Peter Minnikin	[email protected]	01423 530630
Dispute Resolution (including Commercial, Mediation and Personal)	David Birks	[email protected]	01423 530630
Employment	Iain Jenkins	[email protected]	01423 530630
Commercial Property	Claire Baker-Kemp	[email protected]	01423 530630
Private Client	Elaine Lightfoot	[email protected]	01423 530630
Managing Partner	Stephen Hopwood	[email protected]	01423 530630
Family and Matrimonial	Lucy Harbron	[email protected]	01423 530630
Corporate and Commercial	David Leuchars	[email protected]	01423 530630
General Crime	Shah Ahmed	[email protected]	01423 530630
Residential Property	Katy Maskell-Edwards	[email protected]	01423 530630
General Crime	Kate Develly	[email protected]	01423 530630

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 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

Number of UK partners : 6
Number of other UK fee-earners : 13

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.

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.