Full-service Leeds firm Emsleys Solicitors, which has five offices in and around the West Yorkshire city, is making its foray down south with the opening of a new office in Bristol and the appointment of a new director.

Emma Costin joins the firm as a head of asbestos illness & occupational disease claims. Costin, who will appoint a new team for the office, joins Emsleys from national firm Simpson Millar, where she was director of complex personal injury.

Emsleys director Peter Watson said: ‘It’s an exciting time for Emsleys as we innovate and look for new opportunities to grow and advance our firm.’

Bristol’s legal market has proved a popular choice for law firms keen to expand their presence over recent years. International firms Clyde & Co and Simmons & Simmons are other recent arrivals in the city. 

Emsleys currently has around 120 staff.