This week's Yorkshire appointments

David Mattocks, LFC Law

Yorkshire based LFC Law has appointed its new finance director in David Mattocks.

Operating regionally, nationally, and internationally, LFC Law staffs 125 across its 22 partnering offices in Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate.

David Mattock joins the company after 13 years as both finance director and chief executive for Keebles LLP. He also previously served in the role of finance director for property firm Sanderson Weatherall and KPMG.

David said: “I have worked with and know many of the team at LCF Law, who are all committed to making legal services accessible and affordable to both business and the private individual. I admire the firm’s reputation and approachable ethos.

“With a full range of legal services and a successful residential conveyancing business, known as LCF Residential, I’m looking forward to working with the 125-strong team as the firm continues with its strategic growth plans.”

The role was previously held by Cleo Howell, who served as finance director for 20 years before deciding to put her skills to use as a part-time mortgage and financial advisor.

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “David is a Chartered Accountant with an MBA and has a vast amount of experience working in the legal sector. Responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all aspects of finance within our growing and ambitious firm, David has the ideal skill sets and expertise for the role.”

Jake Fox, JM Glendinning

JM Glendinning professional risks MD, Jake Fox, has been promoted to managing director of the company.

Jake Fox joined JM Glendinning in 2015 as a professional indemnity insurance specialist to establish the firm’s Professional Risks business, delivering broking and claims support across the UK, and bringing over 20 years of insurance industry experience to the position.

Jake succeeds Nick Houghton, who became CEO of the JMG Group, formed following a management buyout in 2020. Jake is now responsible for the eight JM Glendinning businesses which are based in Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands. Jake will also carry on his duties in the running of the Professional Risks business.

Jake stated: “JM Glendinning is a progressive and ambitious business and I am very pleased to have this opportunity to move it further forwards in this phase of accelerated growth.

“As MD of JM Glendinning, I will be working closely with the leaders of our eight businesses to support their aspirations through organic and acquisitive growth and quality recruitment, to ensure we achieve our target of doubling our premium income from £50m to £100m over the next five years.”

Nick says: “Jake is an exceptional business leader and the natural choice to become MD of the JM Glendinning business. He built up Professional Risks from a standing start to what is now the most successful division in our group. “

James Burdekin, MD Law

Sheffield’s MD Law has recruited corporate lawyer James Burdekin as a partner as it continues its strategic growth plans.

The commercial and corporate law specialist graduated from the University of Leicester in 2009 and completed his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Sheffield in 2010, holding various positions at law firms across the city since.

Solicitor Ali Al-Sheikh also joins the 13-person team on the litigation and insolvency side, alongside paralegal Olivia Vardy.

James said: “I already know the current partners, having worked with them before, and I saw how successful MD Law is already with its existing practice areas, and this was a good fit for the commercial and corporate work I do.

“There is plenty of potential for me to provide commercial and corporate support to the firm’s existing clients and contacts, and for expanding the business. The corporate deals market has been very strong for several years now and there are no signs of this slowing down in the near future.”

Founder and partner of MD Law Matthew Dixon said: “James is a vastly experienced lawyer and has built an impressive record of working with companies and individuals, dealing with a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, and is regularly instructed in high value transactions.”

Kate Gilliford, rradar

Hull based litigation and commercial law firm rradar has appointed Kate Gilliford as its new head of content.

Kate’s previously held position as head of digital channels for the Home Office saw her responsible for designing content strategies utilising research data with regards to issues such as Brexit and COVID 19.

Her education consists of a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and politics from Lancaster University, as well as a masters in philosophy from King’s College, London.

Kate will report directly to rradar’s Marketing and Communications Director Davina Gillyon and work closely with rradar’s Senior Leadership Team.

Davina Gillyon explained: “Kate will lead our strategic content function, focusing on designing and executing the best framework for presenting and delivering legal and risk management content within our existing and new digital product tools.

“We pride ourselves on transforming how legal services are accessed and Kate’s appointment will help us to enhance the customer experience and deliver our vision as part of our five-year business strategy.”