Wrigleys Solicitors LLP > Sheffield, England > Firm Profile
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP Offices

Derwent House, 150 Arundel Gate
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
S1 2FN
England
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP specialises in private client matters, supporting individuals, families and trusts in complex and high value matters. The group covers a diverse range of real estate transactions and agricultural issues, with expertise in relation to the Environment Act and Agriculture Act, covering carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, and farm restructurings. Team lead Jonathan AtteyPractice head(s):
Jonathan Attey
Other key lawyers:
Clair Douglas; Angus Hunter Smart; Will Foley; Emma Ridge; Matthew Featherstone; Joanne Spavin
Testimonials
‘Ability to advise on complex matters in a straight forward way manner, setting out clearly the options and the recommendation.’
‘Angus Hunter Smart and Jonathan Attey intuitively understand how their clients think and what they not only want from their advisers, but also what they want from their property portfolios.’
‘They are well respected by other professionals as being reliable and competent. They remain so without recourse to too much modern wizardry.’
‘Jonathan Attey is a very knowledgeable lawyer in his field and also a practical farmer. So his keen legal advice is often tempered by some sound common-sense. He is a good explainer of the more intricate points. He is a calm negotiator who relies on persuasive argument and calm reason rather than aggression, which suits me.’
‘Angus Hunter Smart is highly respected in his field and very busy with much bigger clients than us. But we get the advantage of all that and always feel as important. He is also extremely good at explaining the more intricate points, which seem to increase in the world of wills and trusts.’
‘They have superb strength and depth.’
‘Matthew Featherstone is approachable, contactable, direct, clear and concise. He gets into any issues quickly, offers advice with a no nonsense approach and ultimately delivers solutions.’
‘Wrigleys have scale and a diverse skills base to serve most client requirements but are still small enough that they work collaboratively with other colleagues in their office which ensures best advice to their clients.’
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP‘s large specialist team supports charity and social economy clients in the full range of matters, with experience acting across the country and internationally. The group has particular aptitude advising faith-based charities in their activities. Malcolm LynchPractice head(s):
Malcolm Lynch
Other key lawyers:
Peter Parker; Nat Johnson; Clare Lawrence; Chris Billington; Elizabeth Wilson; Nick Dunn
Testimonials
‘The team has significant expertise in the charity and not-for-profit sector, particularly in relation to cooperative and community benefit societies.’
‘Malcolm Lynch and Peter Parker are longstanding and valued advisers and supporters. They are highly knowledgeable while also being personable, practical and commercially aware, and they are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Superb client service – they are extremely open and transparent. Give extremely thoughtful advice and really interrogate our instructions to give us the best result. Extremely skilled finance lawyers and they know our sector and its nuances really well. Very helpful to know-how and wider sector guidance. ’
‘Wrigleys have much more experience in working with religious communities that are also registered charities than two other firms which I have used for various matters. The team work very effectively together and competently use modern technology for meetings, exchanging and making available documents etc., where hard copies are not essential.’
‘Above all, they take a real interest in us as clients and as people with hopes and fears, plans and dreams, which generates a lot of confidence for us in their handling of our affairs.’
‘They, and especially Elizabeth Wilson and Nick Dunn, generate a sense of being truly interested in what we are aiming to achieve and of working with us rather than just for us, displaying endless patience and thoroughness in dealing with all the complexities of our project and with our questions along the way.’
‘I’ve been thoroughly impressed with this practice’s unique blend of expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients. Their team’s strengths lie not only in their deep legal knowledge, but also in their ability to truly understand and empathise with their clients’ needs.’
‘Overall, I believe Wrigley’s stands out as a beacon of excellence in the legal industry, offering not only top-notch legal representation but also a personalised and innovative approach to client care.’
Key clients
Allia
StepChange Debt Charity
The Society of the Precious Blood
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House
Vow Europe
Joint University Council
Charity Tax Group
Charity of Thomas Holroyd
Harrison and Potter Trust
Edge Ministries
Work highlights
- Acted in the completion of a number of loan and bond issue arrangements facilitated by Allia.
- Worked with The Society of the Precious Blood (Burnham Abbey) to review their governance structure.
- Advised on the relationship between Vow Europe Limited foundation and the corporate group.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP acts on behalf of a diverse range of high and ultra-high net worth clients, with particular expertise advising farming and land-owning groups, family business owners, and injured and disabled individuals. Andrew WriglesworthPractice head(s):
Andrew Wriglesworth; Marie-Louise Hamilton; Jane Netting; Lynne Bradey
Other key lawyers:
Angus Hunter Smart; Julia Boyes; Julia Rangecroft; Suzannah Farnell; Chelsea Martin; Orlando Bridgeman
Testimonials
‘They have a solid understanding of estate owner’s objectives, and a no nonsense approach to advice.’
‘Angus Hunter Smart and Orlando Bridgeman have the ability to take the initiative and provide proactive advice as part of a team.’
‘Practical and solid experience and advice is provided across the partner team in regard to will and estate planning, as well as pre-nuptial agreements.’
‘Julia Boyes, Marie-Louise Hamilton and Chelsea Martin all have a very good bed-side manner and the ability to put complex matters into layman’s terms for clients.’
‘They are simply the best. They have also recently recruited Suzannah Farnell, and this is a real coup for the team. Suzy’s appointment will really cement them as the private client force in West Yorkshire.’
‘Suzy Farnell is simply excellent. The Rolls-Royce of private client. Her client base speaks for itself. Basically all the great and good seek Suzy out.’
‘Very personal and exceptional knowledge.’
‘Professional, efficient. The work of Andrew Wriglesworth is a perfect example of this.’
Employment > Pensions Tier 2
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP‘s ‘knowledgeable’ team of specialist pension lawyers is well regarded for its trustee advisory work and charity pension issues; the group is also regularly instructed by other law firms, independent trustees and pension consultants. Kate Buckham leads the pensions team alongside Louise Edwards. Buckham provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of occupational pension schemes, while Edwards has extensive experience in guiding trustees through complex liability management exercises.Practice head(s):
Kate Buckham; Louise Edwards
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Acomb
Testimonials
‘They are very knowledgeable about our pension schemes. They understand our requirements and the sponsoring company’s objectives. They are proactive in dealing with new legislation and cooperate very well with our other professional advisers.’
‘All individuals we deal with are easily available, and pragmatic in their approach to problems. Our main contacts are Victoria Acomb, Kate Buckham and Louise Edwards, all of whom are very capable and helpful.’
‘Pragmatic and friendly with good advice.’
‘The team are approachable, commercial, able to communicate at all levels, technically adept and supportive of their clients.’
‘Wrigleys’ have a strong pensions team of excellent individuals who know their stuff. They provide clear and concise advice.’
‘They are always happy to help and willing to discuss issues before providing advice. I work predominately with Louise Edwards, and she is excellent at what she does.’
‘In my experience, they take a very collaborative approach. The sharing of knowledge and experience has resulted in pragmatic solutions to complex issues and a clear understanding of the issues being faced.’
‘Very knowledgeable about both general pension legal requirements and, more importantly, our scheme specifically. They also respond quickly to urgent requests.’
Public sector > Education Tier 2
Hailed for being able to deal with ‘stakeholders across property, employment, contracts, and service-level agreements’, the ‘flexible’ team at Wrigleys Solicitors LLP is instructed by a broad spectrum of clients from across the education spectrum. Practice head Chris Billington‘s expertise is frequently relied on by academy trusts. Graham Shaw is an authority on academies and has expertise spanning primary, secondary, church academies and alternative provision. Teacher turned solicitor Alacoque Marvin is equipped to advise schools and academies on their employment tribunal and SEND claims. Alexandra Slater is a further key contact.Practice head(s):
Chris Billington
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘If they can’t help, they will always know someone who can.’
‘Graham Shaw’s advice is always clear and provided in a timely manner.’
‘We have worked with Wrigley’s for over 4 years now. As the multi-academy trust sector is still a growing sector there are many new ways of working and new responsibilities and risk. Wrigleys have been extremely supportive throughout the 4 years and always been receptive to any request for advice and support. ’
‘As a client of Wrigleys, I can confidently say that their legal team is truly exceptional. What sets them apart is their unparalleled expertise in private client and charities law, which was evident in the personalised advice and solutions they provided for our Academy Trust.’
‘In addition to their technical skills, the individuals at Wrigleys demonstrate exceptional interpersonal qualities that make them a pleasure to work with.’
‘They are proactive, approachable and always willing to support in a timely manner.’
‘Dealing with many different stakeholders across property, employment, contracts, and service-level agreements needs a team that is flexible and collaborative and we definitely get that from the team at Wrigleys.’
‘Graham is always comprehensive in his responses and able to de-jargonise the work for the purpose of presenting to a non-exec board of directors.’
Key clients
James Montgomery Academy Trust
Ponteland Academy Trust
Coast & Vale Learning Trust
Work highlights
- Advising James Montgomery Academy Trust on its continued growth involving a range of complex property issues.
- Advising Ponteland Academy Trust on a complex property transaction involving funders and government consent.
- Advising Coast and Vale Learning Trust on its growth and complex property and funding arrangements.
Yorkshire and the Humber > Transport Tier 2
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP specialises in the rail and bus sectors, advising a number of large train operating companies and bus networks, focusing on the clients' property portfolios. The team advises on whole franchise leasing issues, major station and depot redevelopments, and station retail property letting matters. The team is headed up by Elizabeth Wilson, while Rachel Meredith deals with all aspects of commercial property matters, including railway station issues, and Richard Marson is a specialist in advising train operating companies; he also leads on a number of bus network-related property matters.Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Wrigley’s team is pro-active and forward-thinking, always looking at ways to simplify the cumbersome legal framework within which the rail industry needs to work. The team are responsive, commercial and thorough. I enjoy working with Wrigleys.’
‘Led by the estimable Elizabeth Wilson, I would highlight Richard Marson as stand out performer in a very accomplished team.’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the transport arena. The team has particular expertise in national infrastructure projects and a depth of knowledge that encompasses all work lines in this area.’
‘Everyone at Wrigleys is easy to get on with; they encourage a culture of collaboration and teamwork, which is evident throughout the whole team.’
‘The go-to team in the region for transport. Real strength and depth.’
‘Richard Marson is particularly good. Patient and collaborative with outstanding industry know-how.’
‘Experienced and committed team of commercially aware transport solicitors.’
‘The bottom line for me is that they are a pleasure to deal with and are delivering the best results for the client.’
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Malcolm LynchPractice head(s):
Malcolm Lynch
Other key lawyers:
Peter Parker; Joanna Blackman; Fiona Wharton; Elizabeth Wilson; Nick Dunn
Testimonials
‘Excellent impact investing lawyers who are extremely throughout yet pragmatic. Really test what we want to do so it can be made to work in a robust way. Always think critically of our instructions to see if there is a better solution to what we want to achieve.’
‘Peter Parker is a really strong finance lawyer. Very thorough and responsive. Really understands us and our sector and what we want to achieve in our investments. Extremely good value for money.’
‘Joanna Blackman has been a power-house of wisdom and experience. She has navigated through a very complex series of issues and been invaluable in her dealings with the Charity Commission. She never wavered from her position of achieving the very best possible outcome for the charity.’
‘The team provide a wide range of knowledge and experience of charities and legislation surrounding this field of work. Joanna Blackman and Fiona Wharton have a great depth of knowledge and provide good advice to our trust and the trustees.’
‘For us, the practice’s wide experience of working with religious communities is key. The team members understand our way of life and what issues are important to us.’Â
‘Those we work with listen well to our concerns and provide clear guidance. Elizabeth Wilson and Nick Dunn are great to work with and very ready to take personal concerns into account. They inspire real confidence in what we are seeking to achieve.’
‘Peter Parker immediately familiarised himself with the details of our file in an outstanding manner, and was able to pick up on the issues very quickly. Peter’s very pragmatic approach, sensible negotiation strategy, and reassuring tone during meetings have resulted in marked progress on our matter.’
‘Nick Dunn is very proactive in volunteering assistance and quick to reply and share good advice when needed. Nick is always well prepared in meetings and able to recount facts and background pertaining to the file.’
Key clients
Allia
Sisters of the Cross and Passion
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
StepChange| Debt Charity
Vow Europe
The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Collection
The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum Trust
The Society of the Precious Blood
Charity Tax Group
Harrison and Potter Trust
Edge Ministries
Work highlights
- Acted for Allia in the completion of a number of loan and bond issue arrangements facilitated by Allia, a large impact investing charity.
- Assisted The Society of the Precious Blood with reviewing their governance structure, proposed solutions to resolve and unpick issues with the property ownership, and worked collaboratively with the Society to decide on the future of the Society as it seeks a fresh direction.
- Advised Vow Europe Limited on establishing a corporate foundation.
Private client > Court of protection Tier 2
At Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, ‘from the moment they meet the client through the litigation process and beyond, they offer a high-quality service’. The specialist team helps clients who are under the jurisdiction of the Court of Protection dealing with all aspects of property and affairs. It also provides advice on community care, and other areas relating to property and employment matters. The current assets the group is managing for injured clients is worth £400m, including 143 deputyship clients. Debbie Davies heads the team alongside the ‘excellent’ Jane Netting. Charlotte Dyson is recommended for her experience across a wide range of complex property and affairs matters.Practice head(s):
Jane Netting; Debbie Davies
Other key lawyers:
Lynne Bradey; Hannah Norton; Charlotte Dyson
Testimonials
‘A northern practice with genuine national reach for clients.’
‘Jane Netting is excellent, insightful, highly knowledgeable, very able at explaining complex issues to lay people, calm and personable. She is pragmatic and determined, very skilled at dealing with difficult situations and offers excellent client service.’Â
‘I’ve always found them to be technically excellent and completely focused on the unique needs of each client. With particular reference to Lynne Bradey and Hannah Norton, they provide an extremely professional service that’s delivered with warmth and sensitivity.’
‘Lynne Bradey, Charlotte Dyson and Jane Netting have repeatedly provided a great service both as independent experts on likely Deputyship costs and as Deputies.’
‘Jane Netting is experienced and knowledgeable. I find her collaborative, constructive and focused in her approach. In complex and contested cases, she has brought a calm and measured approach, whilst keeping a clear eye on her client’s interests.’
‘Charlotte Dyson goes the extra mile to make sure clients fully understand the advice they are receiving. She ensures clients can build a personal connection with her. Associate Hannah Norton has provided excellent service and is very confident and knowledgeable.’
‘Charlotte Dyson is a stand out partner. She puts difficult clients at ease and is fantastic at problem solving when thorny issues arise. Hannah Norton is a fantastic associate and a star of the future.’Â
‘The quality of its clients is very high. The range of work it covers is impressive. Charlotte Dyson is very commercial in her approach. Clients really like her. Hannah Norton is a reliably solid presence on files and helpfully collaborative in her approach.’
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP‘s dedicated charities team is based across the north of England. The Newcastle team is headed up by specialist charity lawyer Fiona Wharton, who covers charity law and charity governance, mergers and collaborative working issues, and assists almshouses, grant making charities, and social care and housing charities. Other key members of the team are Laura Moss in Cumbria who has expanded her core specialisms of student unions and community-led housing to advise on cryptoassets and ESG issues in the charitable sector, and Joanna Blackman who splits her time between Leeds and Newcastle.Practice head(s):
Fiona Wharton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has significant expertise in the charity and not-for-profit sector, particularly in relation to cooperative and community benefit societies.’
‘Wrigelys has a depth of knowledge and expertise in dealing with matters concerns charities which have a connection to religion.’
‘Fiona Wharton is my go-to person for any charity legal queries – she is approachable, knowledgeable and gives friendly advice.’
‘Joanna Blackman has provided the trustees with a detailed report prior to the charity embarking on a redevelopment project. Advice to the trustees has been invaluable.’
‘Very good understanding of the charity sector and our needs, and how they differ from those of a commercial organisation.’
‘Fiona Wharton and the team were a pleasure to deal with. We would not hesitate to work with them again.’
Key clients
The Society of the Precious Blood (Burnham Abbey)
Community of the Sacred Passion
Allia
Employment > Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 4
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP advises charities, landed estates and pensions on a wide range of employment issues. Chris Billington leads the team and has particular experience advising charities and social enterprises on a range of employment matters, while Sue King focuses on employment work within the charity and voluntary sectors. Alacoque Marvin has expertise in advising clients on equality issues, particularly where there are conflicting protected characteristics.Practice head(s):
Chris Billington
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wrigleys’ have offered us excellent support. The team in Leeds is always on hand to provide tailored advice and take time to understand the needs of our business.’
‘Alacoque Marvin is exceptional and always helpful, offering advice which supports the balance of risk in our employment support, is very responsive and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Wrigleys provides us with invaluable legal expertise and support across a wide range of matters. Its team consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape within the education sector, including employment law.’
‘The team at Wrigleys’ takes the time to understand our context and the challenges we face so it can provide us with advice on a wide range of issues that are specific and relevant to us.’
‘Beyond its legal expertise, the team at Wrigleys’ is incredibly responsive, proactive, and always willing to go the extra mile. It takes time to understand our specific needs and context, providing us with practical and tailored advice. Its communication is clear and concise, ensuring we are kept fully informed throughout the process.’
‘The team is attentive and listens, as well as being timely and efficient.’
‘All individuals are knowledgeable in their own right as well as in a team. They ensure that they fully understand your issue and will advise, thinking not only of the particular issue but the bigger picture as well.’
‘Sue King has a great understanding of employment law, is trusted by clients and has a calm and reassuring manner.’
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP > Firm Profile
Wrigleys is a niche practice set up primarily to provide quality services to private clients and charities. It does no mainstream contentious or corporate work. Its lawyers are recognised for their expertise in trusts, tax, pensions and charities work, and the property, employment, education and agricultural practices that augment these areas.
The firm: Wrigleys shares its origins with DLA in 18th century Leeds, but has developed a character and reputation of its own since it was established in its present form in 1996. It aims to provide its clients with long-term continuity of service at an affordable cost and a number of its specialists have national reputations. A good range of solicitors have been attracted from larger, commercially oriented businesses to a firm whose ethos allows them to do similar quality work in a different environment.
Types of work undertaken: Wrigleys covers a full range of private client issues, such as wills, probates, tax and trusts, as well as related matters dealing with charities, pensions, property and agriculture.
The tax, trusts and probate team handles wills, tax, asset protection and the administration of estates and trusts. It is well known for its strong tax planning base, and for personal injury/compensation protection trusts and trusts for vulnerable people including Court of Protection issues and deputyships.
The pensions team advises sponsoring employers, trustees and members of occupational pension schemes, including drafting and amending schemes.
The charities team covers the full spectrum of charity law, advising on the creation and broader operation of charities of all kinds, including educational charities. It covers employment issues in the sector, including notable work on restructuring. It also acts for wider enterprises in the social economy, often with an environmental angle. The charities team leads the firm’s education practice that incorporates work with academies on conversion, governance and other support.
The firm’s property lawyers handle work arising from all three of these areas, covering commercial investment portfolios and residential work, with particular experience of areas such as settled property, charity property, ecclesiastical law and the transport sector, where it affects property transactions.
Within the property team, the agricultural group handles a wide range of estate and agricultural work, covering farming and farming structures, renewables, minerals, diversification, and grant/subsidy issues.
Clientele: Wrigleys attracts prestigious clients from all over the country and regularly works with, and for, other professionals.
Other offices: Sheffield and Newcastle
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | Marie-Louise Hamilton | ||
Capital tax planning | Andrew Wriglesworth | ||
Trusts and estates | Ann Duchart | ||
Charities | Malcolm Lynch | ||
Employment | Chris Billington | ||
Employment | Sue King | ||
Education | Chris Billington | ||
Education | Graham Shaw | ||
Property | Rachel Meredith | ||
Agriculture and estates | Jonathan Attey | ||
Agriculture and estates | Angus Hunter Smart | ||
Transport | Richard Marson | ||
Transport | Elizabeth Wilson | ||
Pensions | Leigh Holmes | ||
Personal injury trusts | Lynne Bradey | ||
Court of Protection | Lynne Bradey & Jane Netting | ||
Ecclesiastical | Elizabeth Wilson | ||
Other | any partner |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Ian Potter | Partner | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Lynne Bradey | Partner | View Profile |
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Orlando Bridgeman | Associate | View Profile |
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Charlotte Dyson | Partner | View Profile |
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Lisa Eato | Legal Director | View Profile |
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Sue Greaves | Partner | View Profile |
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Jane Netting | Partner | View Profile |
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Hannah Norton | Associate | View Profile |
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Andrew Wriglesworth | Partner | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 35 Number of other UK fee-earners : 88- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate