Firm hires: Brabners expands Leeds team

Independent law firm Brabners has appointed partners Matthew Howarth and Michelle Spark and solicitor Junaid Sohail to its new Leeds office.

Commercial litigator Howarth joins Brabners from Shoosmiths, where he was previously head of its Leeds office and also lead the commercial litigation teams in the north of England. He has over 20 years’ experience advising UK corporates on high profile cases spanning from professional negligence actions for lenders to contractual disputes, defamation, financial services claims, pension disputes and Judicial Reviews.  

Planning law specialist Spark joins the firm’s real estate group. In her 16-year career, she has worked in senior positions in local government and for Walker Morris, DWF and Weightmans. Spark advises private and public sector clients on complex developments including nationally significant infrastructure projects involving renewable energy, new nuclear developments, major highways projects and new garden towns.

Brabners managing partner Nik White said: 'We’ve built great momentum for our new Leeds office since opening last year, with top local lawyers including Matthew and Michelle recognising the distinctive culture we’ve developed and the opportunity to make the difference for our clients and the communities we operate in.

'The expertise of our new partners will be paramount in furthering our reputation as a northern firm advising major UK brands and businesses– whether they are based here in Yorkshire or further afield.'