Leeds law graduate launches specialist marketing agency for legal sector

A Leeds law graduate has established a specialist marketing agency specifically for the legal sector.

Leeds Beckett University graduate Joel Cortez launched Intellistart after identifying a gap in the market for marketing for law firms.

Joel Cortez was working as an intern at legal firms while at university when he set up the business. He explained: “The average marketing agency does not understand the needs of solicitors - or understand the regulations surrounding the profession.

“Many of the companies I approached initially said they had tried marketing and got no results. This often happens with generic marketing agencies who don’t understand the sector.

“But the way we approach it works and leads to brand awareness, because we understand the sector.”

Joel, who came to the UK from the Philippines when he was seven, runs Intellistart with his partner Ewelina Radziewicz, who came from Poland when she was 15. The company is now working with about 15 legal firms in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and further south.

As a student Joel, was put in touch with AD:VENTURE by the university’s business centre and accepted onto Accelerate, a programme of support which brings together pre-recorded masterclasses, weekly live webinars and one-to-one support, along with advice on grants and funding.

Sarah Carling, AD:VENTURE programme manager, commented: “Joel is a great example of the type of entrepreneur we want to encourage in the Leeds City Region; someone who has specialist knowledge, sees a gap in the market and goes for it.

“His success leads to the success of other businesses, which is fantastic, and in time will see him create much-needed jobs. We really do admire the work he has done and would love to help more people like Joel succeed.”