Blacks Solicitors LLP > Leeds, England > Firm Profile

Blacks Solicitors LLP
CITY POINT
29 KING STREET
LEEDS
LS1 2HL
England

Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 2

Blacks Solicitors LLP‘s Leeds-based family team offers ‘sensible, robust and realistic advice‘ to clients experiencing divorce and separation, seeking financial settlements, and resolving disputes relating to children, along with the preservation of assets at the beginning of relationships. Property disputes involving cohabitees are an area of expertise for ‘formidable’ team head Ann Robinson, while ‘stand-out lawyer’ Paul Lancaster regularly handles complex child arrangements, including those with multi-jurisdictional issues. Josie Kirk has notable experience in Children Act proceedings, including those related to IVF and legal parentage.

Practice head(s):

Ann Robinson

Other key lawyers:

Paul Lancaster; Josie Kirk; Andrew Foulds

Testimonials

‘Blacks have an excellent family law team with individual lawyers of exceptional ability. They offer sensible, robust and realistic advice and their preparation for contested hearings is excellent. As a direct result, they help their clients achieve their litigation objectives.’

‘Josie Kirk is a standout associate solicitor. She is always well prepared, there isn’t anything she does not know about her case. Josie’s work is of a high standard.’

‘Ann Robinson is professional, kind, incredibly well informed and well prepared. Ann made me feel like I was in the best possible hands, she was on top of every detail, responded quickly and concisely to every question and was able to correct errors in others professionally and without appearing confrontational. I have and will continue to recommend Ann in complete confidence.’

‘Ann Robinson is formidable! Very thorough and able: no stone left un-turned but always balanced by pragmatism.’

‘Josie Kirk has excellent knowledge and communication skills, and is also comfortable to get advice and other views from her partners, leaving me with an excellent service. I cannot praise her enough for the way she has handled my case.’

‘Andrew Foulds showed empathy, commitment and a passion for defending and supporting my position during a very challenging period in my life. I valued his support and felt at all times he had my back.’

‘Paul Lancaster is empathetic and calming. His knowledge and recommendations were well thought through, thorough and matched to what I needed as an individual. It felt like Paul went above and beyond. I cannot recommend him enough.’

‘Paul Lancaster is a ‘stand-out’ lawyer who has exceptional ability and shows a deep commitment to doing his very best for his clients.’

Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 3

Blacks Solicitors LLP's ‘outstanding’ employment team works for both employers and employees on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Paul Kelly and Tom Moyes co-head the employment team. Kelly focuses on acting for owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals, particularly advising on service agreements, restrictive covenants and the negotiation of exit packages. Moyes has developed a specialism in acting for employment businesses and agencies within the recruitment sector. Chris Allen is noted for his advisory work regarding senior executives and negotiating exit packages, while David Ward is experienced in acting for high-net-worth and senior individuals, particularly in the Employment Tribunal.

Practice head(s):

Paul Kelly; Tom Moyes

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Well-known, well-run and professional, the team at Blacks cover all the core practice areas with a family feel whilst offering an air of corporate glamour. There isn’t another firm in Leeds like it.’

‘Paul Kelly behaved like a human. I didn’t feel like just another piece of work. He took the time to understand and make things super clear while being friendly and making me feel supported.’

‘The breadth of skill, knowledge and experience at Blacks is a real positive for the firm. They appear to be very knowledgeable about their peers and aware of their own specialities, thereby ensuring that you get the best possible advice in a timely manner.’

‘From the partners down to the junior staff, I have found the service to be professional, accurate, and personable. The best law firm I have dealt with in the UK, not just in the Yorkshire and Humber region.’

‘I value David Ward’s proactive and strategic approach. He has a thorough understanding of the legal landscape and can easily anticipate potential challenges or opportunities. David explored alternative solutions and crafted effective strategies tailored to my specific needs and case. He was not merely reactive, but he actively sought opportunities to secure favourable outcomes. David is not just a solicitor; he is a beacon of professionalism, kindness, and unwavering support.’

‘Tom Moyes is consistently excellent. He is laser-sharp and has technical excellence coupled with a fantastic style. He is results-oriented but in an empathetic and respectful way.’

‘Paul Kelly is fantastic. He easily explains the issues and reasoning and helps us with whatever our employment problems are, no matter how big or small.’

‘The employment practice is outstanding. With a number of analytical and trusted advisers, they are capable of handling a wealth of issues that arise in an efficient and commercial manner. The depth of knowledge is impressive, as is the professionalism exhibited by all team members.’

Key clients

Really Useful Products Limited

EMS-FP&S Truck & Trailer Parts

Augean PLC

BigChange Limited

Southern Wind Limited T/A Fazenda

Work highlights

  • Advised the claimant in a successful action for disability discrimination arising from menopause, against Direct Line.
  • Advised the claimant in a successful action for sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation against the National Grid.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

The real estate litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP provides advice on a variety of contentious matters, acting frequently in complex dilapidation claims, contested break notices and lease renewal proceedings on behalf of both landlords and tenants. The team is well regarded for its expertise in the telecoms and energy sectors. Luke Maidens leads the team and is praised by clients, alongside Paul Sagar, who is ‘highly knowledgeable when it comes to telecommunications and the Electronic Communications Code’. Aimee Hutchinson is the key contact in the team for parks law advice.

Practice head(s):

Luke Maidens

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Blacks are in my opinion second to none. I recommend Blacks to all my clients because I am confident they will deliver an excellent service with fantastic customer care.’

‘Paul Sagar and Luke Maidens- both are extremely approachable, very responsive and highly knowledgeable when it comes to telecommunications and the Electronic Communications Code.’

‘We have found that Luke Maidens, Paul Sagar and their team have an exceptional knowledge of the legislation surrounding the ECC 2017 and are able to put this knowledge and experience to use, resulting in the best possible outcome for the client.’

‘The team has extensive knowledge of a particular specialist area of law. Always helpful and able to propose and talk through solutions to complex issues.’

‘Extensive knowledge of their area of expertise, particularly from Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar. Their experience in the specialised area of the Electronic Communications Code and approach to problem solving combined are particularly valuable.’

‘The property litigation team at Blacks LLP is very proactive in their case management, seeking commercial solutions where at all possible and earning the full trust of their clients.’

‘Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar are experienced hands-on property litigators with a wealth of experience.’

‘Paul Sagar is deserving of special mention – he has an exceptional eye for detail, a very commercial and pragmatic attitude to litigation, and a fantastic sense of humour to boot. Luke Maidens is also a standout in this sector – he has exceptional telecoms knowledge and is friendly, communicative and commercially astute.’

Key clients

Centrica Combined Common Investment Fund Limited

Reward Capital Limited

Harmony Energy Limited

Crest Nicholson (Wheatley) LLP

BOC Limited

Dignity Funerals PLC

Commercial Estates Group

London Borough of Sutton Council

Leeds University Union

Harrogate Spring Water Limited

Avison Young (UK) Limited

Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust

Stonebridge Homes Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Crest Nicholson on site clearance to enable a very significant residential development project in Southern England.
  • Acting for Commercial Estates Group in relation to portfolio management issues, including the recovery of arrears of rent.
  • Advising Dignity Funerals PLC on a volume of lease renewals and general estates advice.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 4

Blacks Solicitors LLP centres its practice on advising owner-managed businesses, notably from the insurance and healthcare sectors on sell-side transactions. The team is also active in the holiday and home parks sector and across commercial work such as licensing agreements and marketing arrangements. Nigel Hoyle heads up the corporate team and has a proven track record in acting on the sale of insurance brokers. Pete Konieczko-Hansom took over the reins as head of the commercial department following previous incumbent Philip Parkinson‘s departure in April 2024. Konieczko-Hansom excels in matters that combine IP and commercial elements.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Hoyle; Pete Konieczko-Hansom

Other key lawyers:

Lewis Goodwin; Saby Sambhi; Alex Hall

Testimonials

‘Blacks are truly a superb team. They work well together across all of the services that they provide in a joined up and cohesive manner.’

‘The partners and staff and Blacks share his passion for client service. From the warm welcome from the warm welcome by their receptionists to the speed of response from the team Blacks is an easy firm to deal with. ’

‘I have always found the team to be proactive. They take a joined-up and commercial approach.’

‘I have worked with Saby Sambhi on a number of occasions and have always found him to be proactive and commercial. He communicates to clients in a way that is easy to understand, not losing them in jargon.’

‘Friendly, hardworking team that is available whenever needed. Reply quickly and get the job done quickly and effortlessly often adapting quickly to the needs of the business.’

‘Hayley Blackburn is hardworking and trustworthy. Explains the process, requests information and runs through reports in simple terms so that the client can understand. Adapts quickly to changes in the deal or project. Supportive of others within her team on a project and other professionals working with her.’

‘Approachable, transparent and commercial. A pleasure to work with but also concentrated on finding solutions to facilitate transactions rather than identifying problems.’

‘Pete Konieczko-Hansom really took the time to understand our challenges and requirements.’

Key clients

DAS Engineering Holdings Limited

Eville & Jones (Group) Limited

NGC Networks Group Limited

DSEC Limited

IFM Insurance Brokers Limited

Peter Hoare & Company (Insurance Brokers) Limited

Harrogate Spring Water Limited

Upper Canada Soap & Candle Makers Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of Eville & Jones (Group) Limited, a supplier of veterinary, compliance and public health solutions to the food industry on the sale of the company.
  • Advised the shareholders of IFM Insurance Brokers Limited on the sale of the company.
  • Advised the shareholders of NGC Networks Group Limited on the sale of the company.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4

Blacks Solicitors LLP‘s ‘highly professional’ team advises on all matters relating to wills, probate, and estate administration. The practice is led by Nick Rhodes, who is highly experienced in working with vulnerable clients, and advises on inheritance tax planning, the preparation of wills, and the administration of estates. Annie Beaumont and Jenna Keough are key names within the team.

Practice head(s):

Nick Rhodes

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Highly professional, with a genuine can-do attitude.’

‘A feeling that you are being cared for AND cared about. Knowledgeable and professional, but importantly, approachable and refreshingly honest in their advice.’

‘I find this practice gives clients individual attention as needed. I can only speak for myself, but they have given me everything I asked for and advice when they felt it was needed. They have made me feel that they understand my problems and give me advice on how to deal with them.’

‘Very personal service, made to feel comfortable and supported. The confidence we felt in the advice given was second to none. Everything is explained at every step of the process.’

‘Jenna Keough is professional, kind and personal.’

‘I have been with Blacks Solicitors for many years and have nothing but praise for them. Without exception whoever has dealt with our legal issues & requirements has been professional & efficient, as well as sensitive & supportive.’

‘Each member of the team I have come into contact with has been lovely & they often go that extra mile to get the job done with the least inconvenience to myself & other family members. They show care, sensitivity & are very supportive. Nothing seems to be too much trouble.’

‘Members of the team we have met are professional, friendly and knowledgeable, giving a tailor-made personal service making suggestions that are unique to our requirements.’

Real estate > Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4

Blacks Solicitors LLP's ‘modern and dynamic’ practice routinely acts for a varied client base of developers, occupiers and property investors across the healthcare and energy sectors, with the group standing out due to its strong knowledge of leasehold enfranchisement. Working out of the Leeds office, Nick Dyson leads the team and is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to the holiday and home parks sector, while Matthew Hutchinson excels in handling real estate transactions concerning renewable energy projects. Beth Laidler has extensive experience in residential site acquisitions.

Practice head(s):

Nick Dyson

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Hutchinson; Beth Laidler; Andrew Pedley; Marcus Kaye

Testimonials

‘Blacks offer a partner led service, with great support from the other members of the team.’

‘Nick Dysons practical and down to earth approach means that he is able to find solutions to problems that might have otherwise held up or prevent deals from happening. This is supported by the wider team who are always available.’

‘Blacks Solicitors are a modern and dynamic practice with the depth of experience and knowledge that gives me the confidence to work with them on any transaction. They have multiple teams with expert knowledge in their respective fields that can be called upon when needed. Everyone there is a genuinely nice person to deal with.’

‘I have worked very closely with Matt Hutchinson and his team on a number of transactions over the last few years and have nothing but positive comments. Aside from his professionalism and knowledge in the sector which is of the highest degree as you would expect, Matt is always contactable, quick to respond and someone you can build a great working relationship with.’

‘What sets Blacks LLP apart from others in the field is their unique blend of exceptional legal expertise and personalized service. Unlike many firms where clients can feel like just another case number, Blacks LLP goes above and beyond to ensure that each client receives the individual attention and support they deserve. One aspect that particularly impressed me was the depth of knowledge and experience demonstrated by the solicitors at Blacks LLP.’

‘Andrew Pedley was the driving force at Blacks LLP. He really made us feel like we were the only case on his desk. No job was too small, and no question was too little to ask. He made me feel like my thoughts and views were valid and also explained situations where I wasn’t understanding the full picture.’

‘Matthew Hutchinson’s relaxed demeanor belies a highly focused real estate lawyer who always delivers practical solutions with faultless client care. I know I can rely on his advice being accurate and pragmatic. Ben Finley is quickly establishing himself as a highly effective lawyer. His stint in-house has rounded out his excellent technical knowledge with a more practical approach. Definitely one to watch.’

‘My Direct Dealing has been with Marcus Kaye from Blacks solicitors, and I can’t express how thorough and on hand he has been. Marcus has always been my point of contact and has left no stone unturned during my time with Blacks. Blacks are renowned for being on many of the bank’s panels as go to solicitors I trust them completely and I would not use any other firm besides Blacks LLP!’

Key clients

Vida Healthcare

Voyage Care

Stonebridge Homes

Harmony Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised Fairbank Investments Limited, on the acquisition of a derelict railways site in Yorkshire.
  • Advised Battle Scars, on taking a new lease for its 7,500 sq ft headquarters in Leeds.
  • Advised a number of Harmony companies on the structuring and funding elements of a complex development.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 5

The ‘extremely well-resourced team’ at Blacks Solicitors LLP offers specialist expertise across sectors including construction, GDPR and defamation. Luke Patel heads up the team and has a niche focus on charity disputes concerning religious organisations. Darren Morgan - an‘outstanding litigator with superb client care skills’ - and the ‘driven’ Andrew Morgan are further key members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Luke Patel

Other key lawyers:

Darren Morgan; Andrew Morgan; Yat Wong; Danielle Swainston

Testimonials

‘I am instructed by this firm occasionally as a barrister. Luke Patel stands out for his work in commercial cases with a family angle, often working out the other side’s pressure points, which are not always matters of law. ’

‘Darren Morgan is an outstanding litigator with superb client care skills. Andrew Morgan is a very personable and effective litigator.’

‘Blacks’ team has excellent links with the Yorkshire business community. For its size, it is an extremely well-resourced team.’

‘Luke Patel has a very loyal client following who rightly value his dynamism, positive attitude and determination to succeed for his clients.’

‘Darren Morgan remains calm in the most testing of circumstances. This inspires confidence in those around him.’

Andrew Morgan is very driven, has excellent client handling skills and is a real rising star.’

‘In my experience the team is forward-thinking and proactive, and the individual members I have had the pleasure to work with have been hands-on and incredibly thorough.’

‘I just cannot express how happy I am with the entire team at Blacks Solicitors. Phenomenal in their support, advice, knowledge and communications. They genuinely listen to my ideas and inputs but are not scared to push back firmly when it is needed.’

Key clients

Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic Limited

Tucker Mechanical and Electrical Building Services Ltd

Talk Direct (Leeds) Ltd

Great British Confectionary Group Ltd

Neo Direct Ltd

Gambling With Lives (charity)

Genesis Labels Ltd

FRP Advisory LLP

Walker Humphrey Ltd

Deborah Forster

Tania Richardson

Kristian Gavin

Adrian Crabb

Ang Sherpa

Greg Booth

Simon Rawlinson

Stuart Sneath

Helen Hay

Melville Bishop

CID Products LLP

Work highlights

  • Advised an individual on a profession negligence claim against their previous Solicitors for failing to follow the client’s instructions leading to a loss of opportunity. Settlement was agreed in the sum of £200,000.00 plus costs.
  • Defended a client in relation to a debt claim brought against her by her previous solicitors for unpaid legal fees of over £100,000.00, with a view to also assessing previous costs charged of over £1,000,000.00.

Blacks Solicitors is a 30 partner law firm with around 200 employees. The Firm provides a wide range of legal services to commercial and private clients across the UK, and continues to go from strength to strength.

Operating from its head office at City Point in Leeds, Blacks believes in delivering a first-class service to all of its clients, whilst providing expert advice at realistic rates.

To achieve this, Blacks takes time to get to know and understand its clients, building long-term relationships to deliver the best results possible.

Blacks regularly provides advice to owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals on: corporate and commercial law; intellectual property; data protection; employment law; real estate; leasehold enfranchisement; planning law; residential and buy to let/conveyancing; commercial and civil dispute resolution/litigation; private wealth and succession; and family law.

In addition, Blacks also acts for clients across a range of niche sectors including: banking; healthcare; energy; telecoms; education; leisure and hospitality (including holiday & home parks and hotels); sport; and music law.

Blacks is recognised as a Leading Firm by The Legal 500, a UK Top 200 law firm by The Lawyer, and a World Class Company to Work For by Best Companies.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner Chris Allen [email protected] 0113 227 9228
Real Estate Nick Dyson [email protected] 0113 227 9344
Planning & Highways James Cook [email protected] 0113 322 1915
Corporate & Commercial Nigel Hoyle [email protected] 0113 227 9225
Banking & Finance Richard Morton [email protected] 0113 322 1933
Commercial/Civil Dispute Resolution Luke Patel [email protected] 0113 227 9316
Real Estate Litigation Luke Maidens [email protected] 0113 227 9298
Residential Property Ian Errington [email protected] 0113 227 9358
Leasehold Enfranchisement & Management Services Anushka Nicholas [email protected] 0113 227 9284
Professional Negligence Luke Patel [email protected] 0113 227 9316
Insolvency Luke Patel [email protected] 0113 227 9316
Employment Law Paul Kelly [email protected] 0113 227 9249
Family Law Ann Robinson [email protected] 0113 227 9291
Family Law Paul Lancaster [email protected] 0113 227 9233
Private Wealth & Succession Nick Rhodes [email protected] 0113 227 9247
Sports Law Chris Allen [email protected] 0113 227 9228
Energy Matt Hutchinson [email protected] 0113 227 9339
Telecoms Luke Maidens [email protected] 0113 227 9298
Holiday & Home Parks Nick Dyson [email protected] 0113 227 9344
Intellectual Property Pete Konieczko-Hansom [email protected] 0113 227 9279
Photo Name Position Profile
Chris Allen photo Mr Chris Allen Managing Partner
Annie Beaumont photo Ms Annie Beaumont Senior Associate Solicitor
Pete Bott photo Mr Pete Bott Partner
Richard Buono photo Mr Richard Buono Partner
Nick Dyson photo Mr Nick Dyson Partner and Head of Real Estate
Ian Errington photo Mr Ian Errington Partner and Head of Residential Property
Lewis Goodwin photo Mr Lewis Goodwin Partner
Alex Hall photo Ms Alex Hall Senior Associate – Chartered Legal Executive
Charlotte Hart photo Ms Charlotte Hart Partner
Nigel Hoyle photo Mr Nigel Hoyle Partner and Head of Corporate Law
Matthew Hutchinson photo Mr Matthew Hutchinson Partner
Aimee Hutchinson photo Ms Aimee Hutchinson Partner
Marcus Kaye photo Mr Marcus Kaye Partner
Paul Kelly photo Mr Paul Kelly Partner and Head of Employment
Pete Konieczko-Hansom photo Mr Pete Konieczko-Hansom Senior Associate Solicitor and Head of Intellectual Property
Beth Laidler photo Ms Beth Laidler Partner
Paul Lancaster photo Mr Paul Lancaster Partner
Euan Lawrence photo Mr Euan Lawrence Partner
Luke Maidens photo Mr Luke Maidens Partner and Head of Real Estate Litigation
Katy McPhie photo Ms Katy McPhie Senior Associate Solicitor
Darren Morgan photo Mr Darren Morgan Partner
Richard Morton photo Mr Richard Morton Partner and Head of Banking & Finance
Tom Moyes photo Mr Tom Moyes Partner
Anushka Nicholas photo Ms Anushka Nicholas Partner
Luke Patel photo Mr Luke Patel Partner and Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution
Andrew Pedley photo Mr Andrew Pedley Partner
Nick Rhodes photo Mr Nick Rhodes Partner and Head of Private Wealth & Succession
Ann Robinson photo Ms Ann Robinson Partner and Head of Family Law
Paul Sagar photo Mr Paul Sagar Partner
Saby Sambhi photo Mr Saby Sambhi Partner
David Ward photo Mr David Ward Partner
Number of UK Partners : 30