Our News
Welcome to our new trainees
We are pleased to announce that we have taken on new trainee solicitors Zaakira Allana and Dean Chauhan.
Zaakira, who is 24, is originally from Leicester and was educated at Sir Jonathan North Community College. She read law at Leicester University and took her Legal Practice Course, (LPC), at Nottingham Law School.
Before embarking on her training contract Zaakira took further studies to obtain an international legal qualification.
Dean, aged 25, was also raised in Leicester and attended Soar Valley College. He is a graduate of the University of Kent and sat his LPC at Nottingham Law School.
Zaakira, who has initially been assigned to the corporate department, said she is delighted to have secured a training contract with such a reputable firm in her home city. She added: “It’s good to be given this opportunity with a well known practice in Leicester.”
Dean, who is currently working with the insolvency team added: “The competition for places is tough. I made applications to several firms before being offered a contract and there are graduates from my course who have still not yet been accepted so we are very fortunate.”
Welcoming the trainees managing partner Jonathan Wheeler said it is important for us to maintain a quota of promising young trainee lawyers.
He said: “We have continued to offer training contracts throughout the downturn and will be taking on three trainees next year.”
Zaakira and Dean will spend time in various departments before deciding on which area of the law they want to pursue
Two of our young lawyers qualify as solicitors
Young lawyers Jodie Clarke and David Gorley have qualified as solicitors.
Jodie, who works in the employment law department, and David who is a member of the firm’s litigation team, are both staying on firm after qualification.
Jodie, aged 25, read law at Oxford Brookes University and sat her legal practice course (LPC) at the College of Law in Birmingham. She is a member of the Young Lawyers’ Junior Division and also serves on the committee of City Slickers – Spearing Waite’s networking group which brings together like minded young professionals in Leicester.
Jodie is also involved in the Right to Read programme at Queensmead Community Primary School in Braunstone.
David, who is 24 and a graduate of Newcastle University, represented Great Britain in the ITU Triathlon World Championships on Australia’s Gold Coast last year. Balancing a gruelling training schedule, he qualified for the World Sprint competition which consists of a 750m ocean swim followed by a 20km cycle ride and 5km run. To ensure he fits training around his work commitments David gets up at 5.15am every weekday so he can swim, cycle or run for an hour before riding into the office on his mountain bike.
Managing Partner completes End to End in a Weekend in Thomas May Executive Quest
Combining enthusiasm for travel with a love of photography enabled Jonathan to come up with a novel way of raising funds for charity.
Jonathan recently completed End to End in a Weekend – driving from Land’s End to John O’Groats in two days and taking pictures of well loved landmarks along the way.
Twelve of his best photographs will now feature in a 2011 calendar to be sold in aid of LOROS and PROSTaid as part of the Thomas May Executive Quest.
Jonathan, who was accompanied on most of the trip by his wife Maria, chose his particular quest as it could be undertaken in a short time scale and entailed activities he enjoys.
Jonathan said of his quest “I am not a cyclist and walking the route would have taken far too long. I’ve always liked travelling and I’m a keen amateur photographer so End to End in a Weekend seemed the ideal option.
The distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats is officially 874 miles but I drove 1000 miles in total, adapting the usual route so I could photograph some of the most scenic parts of Cornwall, Somerset, Wales and the Lake District for the calendar.
“Although we were driving we had to allow ample time to clamber around locations such as Cheddar Gorge with photographic equipment in tow, so it was a race against the clock.”
Jonathan’s calendar featuring the best shots from his whirlwind tour of Britain will go on sale in October with all the proceeds going to the Quest’s chosen charities.
Jonathan is among around 30 local senior managers, company directors and business partners taking part in the Thomas May Executive Quest – a new fundraising initiative launched earlier this year by Leicester-based chartered accountants Thomas May & Co.
Martin Smith raises £1100 for children’s charity in iconic cycling challenge
Martin Smith, corporate partner, undertook the London to Paris bike ride in aid of Action Medical Research, cycling 328 miles in just four days.
This annual event attracted more than 700 keen amateur cyclists from across Britain who between them helped raise more than £1 million for the charity.
Martin, aged 33, has been cycling for more than 10 years and has competed in a number of sportive rides such as sprints and races against the clock. He usually cycles about 100 miles week but increased this to 150 miles in preparation for the event.
He said: “The London to Paris bike ride is a must for cycling enthusiasts. Participants get to see the finish of the Tour de France as well as the chance to actually ride down the Champs Elysees
“I was on the route which took us via St Malo, Mayenne and Chartres so although we weren’t in the Pyrenees there were still some hills to climb.”
“Cycling 100 miles a day was tough going at times but it was very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next challenge.”
Action Medical Research is the leading national medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children.
Spearing Waite hosts black tie ball in aid of LOROS
We hosted a black tie ball recently which raised more than £12,000 in aid of LOROS.
The event, which attracted over 130 people, was sponsored by Strategies 4 Tax – a partnership between Leicester financial advisers Berkeley Burke and chartered accountants Sharman Fielding. Held in a marquee in the grounds of our Friar Lane premises, this year’s charity ball was entitled an ‘Explosion of Colour’ with many guests reflecting the theme in their vibrant evening wear. Debenhams and Fenwick donated the prizes for winners of a round of Kings and Queens, with Stones Events, Wolsey, Greene King, The Case restaurant, Leicester Tigers, Minarik Hair & Beauty, Leicester City Football Club and Champions Plc among the other sponsors.
Jonathan Wheeler commented that “It was a well attended, fun evening in aid of a very good cause and we’re grateful to all our sponsors and guests for their support.”
Ascot Day
Ascot Day again proved to be a firm favourite with 450 guests in attendance throughout the afternoon.
Now in its 12th year, this annual occasion held in a marquee on the car park, is a clear winner with our clients, contacts, partners and staff.
Strawberries and cream, Pimms, champagne and wine and - for the first time - candy floss and pick and mix - also continued the summer days theme, as did the relaxing music performed by a trio in the marquee.
Similarly, the drizzle did not deter lady guests from donning their finery, with a passion for Ascot fashion very much in evidence.
This event continues to be among the most popular annual fixtures on the Leicester business community's social calendar.
Spearing Waite hosts rounders tournament in aid of Vantis Corporate Challenge
Sixteen local businesses have shown themselves to be big hitters for charity after taking part in a rounders tournament hosted by Leicester law firm Spearing Waite.
The event, held at Leicestershire County Cricket Ground, raised £3,000 for the Vantis Corporate Challenge.
And, although many of the competitors had not played rounders since they were at school, their batting and fielding abilities soon came flooding back once the tournament got underway.
Swapping work suits for summer shorts, team members made the most of the beautiful evening sunshine, with Mattioli Woods emerging as ultimate victors after beating the hosts in the final.
As well as the sporting action on the field, the event also featured other attractions including a barbecue, bar, tuck shop, ice cream van and raffle, which alone raised £300 towards the grand total.
Raffle prizes included family tickets to Leicestershire County Cricket, a Lovelinks bracelet, aftershave and wine.
Spearing Waite managing partner Jonathan Wheeler said the event had been such a tremendous success and it was great to see people of all ages and both sexes playing.
He added: “Playing rounders in such a superb venue was a highly enjoyable way of raising money for an excellent cause and if we host the tournament again I am hoping to get more than just the one rounder”!
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Assisting with the annual poppy appeal
Both partners and staff played an important role in this year’s Royal British Legion annual poppy appeal.
After answering a call for volunteers from Leicestershire Law Society, 25 members of staff gave up their lunch breaks over two weeks to sell poppies.
And such was our success in raising money for the appeal that we had to ask the Royal British Legion for additional collecting tins.
Managing partner Jonathan Wheeler, who himself volunteered as a collector, said he was delighted with the response from staff in giving up their free time in order to help such a worthwhile cause.
He added: “We raised nearly £1,000 towards the appeal and we know our efforts were greatly appreciated by the Royal British Legion.”
Have a look at our artistic ability
Twelve of our lawyers donned their overalls recently and set to work painting Ratby Church Rooms as part of a community challenge for Leicestershire Cares.
The team of partners and solicitors spent several hours over three Saturdays redecorating the rooms, one of which serves as a children’s crèche.
Thanks to the volunteers’ efforts – and artistic ability – the church committee now has smarter surroundings in which to meet while the pre-school children’s room has been transformed from a drab green area to a bright, cheery space resembling an underwater oasis.
Alison Harrod, one of our commercial property solicitors took on the role of team leader and was able to source most of the paint for the project from the community paint recycling scheme.
Yvonne Fisher, who is an artist as well as a litigation solicitor, was responsible for creating the ocean life murals. The sea creatures which grace the walls of the children’s area were very intricate with one of the octopuses taking her more than an hour to paint.
The project is one of two challenges that we will be undertaking during 2009/10 as part of our commitment to Leicestershire Cares – the membership organisation which enables key employers to undertake tasks voluntarily for the benefit of the local community.
Corporate Relay Challenge
Spearing Waite took part in the Freeth Cartwright Corporate Relay Challenge on Sunday 11 October 2009. After coming second last year, the pressure was on. Seb Walker, Shellie Rhodes and David Gorley (pictured below) took on the challenge with one runner down, so David ran two legs each at 3.25 miles.
We won – not only did we win but we did it by a whopping 6 minutes. We are very proud of our team.
All of the proceeds will be split between LOROS, Rainbows and St Johns Ambulance.
2009 Legal 500 Review
The Legal 500 reviews were out during the week commencing 14 September 2009 and we are more than pleased with the ratings that we have received in some of the categories. Below are a few quotes:
Commercial Property - The "first-rate" team at Spearing Waite which is placed in the Top Tier "punches above its weight", dealing with £440m-plus of property transactions in 2009. The "capable" Tom Bower "has an extremeley proactive approach to his work", which includes acting for Liverpool FC. "Good communicator" Karen Herbert focuses on high-value property and development land acquisitions, and specialises in healthcare facility developments. Richard Wyvill acts for nationally recognised retailers including Billabong. Clients rate the team as "experienced, diligent, professional and commercial".
Corporate and Commercial - Spearing Waite geared up their partner-led corporate and commercial offering in 2009 with the appointment of Kate Blank as new department head and the arrival of corporate finance star Martin Smith from Watson Burton LLP.
Dispute Resolution - "Focused, cost effective and commercial" Spearing Waite punches above its weight in terms of the calibre and variety of instructions, Jonathan Wheeler and his group successfully conclude. Wheeler settled a £1m partnership drawings dispute for partners in a national law firm, and a high court case for damages relating to commission payments. Ashwin Mody is noted for his "technical expertise, professionalism and ability to deal with people and issues".
Employment - Former Nelsons Partner, Andrew Rowell has joined Amanda Badley at Spearing Waite. Recent instructions highlight the team's experience in complex collective redundancies, TUPE issues, service provision change and unfair dismissal and race discrimination matters.
Family - Jonathan Foster and Swati Somaiya bring a collaborative approach to matrimonial and children matters.
Insolvency & Corporate Recovery - Ashwin Mody at Spearing Waite is "excellent in terms of knowledge of the subject, commerciality, negotiating skills and focused advice". He provides a comprehensive service to administrators, liquidators, companies and directors, acting as supervising solicitor where necessary. Ashwin is also named as a leading individual in the field of Commercial Litigation.
Property Litigation - Spearing Waite acts for a range of landlords, tenants and developers in this field.
Young lawyers qualify as solicitors
We have further strengthened our busy employment law and insolvency departments with the appointment of two new solicitors.
Rachel Achtmanis and Charlotte Clarke, who have recently qualified as solicitors, joined the firm two years ago as trainees and have now been offered permanent positions.
Insolvency and Commercial Litigation partner Ashwin Mody is pleased to welcome two more solicitors to our expanding firm. He added: “Both our employment law and insolvency and commercial litigation teams are extremely busy so strengthening the departments with two more qualified lawyers will enable us to enhance the service we offer to clients.”
Rachel, who is 24 and from Leicester, read law at Leicester University and sat her legal practice course (LPC) at De Montfort University.
Originally from Nottingham, Charlotte, who is 26, graduated in law from Newcastle University and took her LPC at Nottingham Law School.
Rachel and Charlotte, who are both members of the Leicester Junior Lawyers’ Division, said they were delighted to continue their legal careers with us and looked forward to enhancing their reputations in their chosen fields.
Management team re-shuffle
We are pleased to announce a management re-shuffle following the retirement of Warwick Spearing.
Jonathan Wheeler has been appointed managing partner, while Tom Bower and Ashwin Mody become finance partner and marketing partner respectively.
John Waite, who co-founded the firm with Warwick in the early 1990s, continues as senior partner of the Friar Lane practice.
Commenting on the changes Jonathan said: “During a difficult year for the economy the firm has recruited at all levels enabling us to continue improving our service to clients and to build for the upturn.
These are challenging but exciting times for a new management team”.
Warwick played a major role in establishing a law practice with an enviable reputation for its professional yet personable, client focused approach.
Spearing Waite was established in May 1993 by the merger of Spearing & Co founded by Warwick Spearing in 1973 and Parsons Waite, an old established Leicester practice dating back to the 19th century.
Warwick will continue to work for the firm on a consultancy basis.
Spearing Waite’s 11th Annual Ascot Day is firm favourite
Backing a winner is never guaranteed, but race goers attending Spearing Waite’s annual Ascot Day are always odds on to have a great time.
Now in its 11th year, the event on Friday June 19th in the grounds of our Friar Lane offices attracted some 450 people, including clients, contacts, partners and staff
As in previous years, turf accountants Mark Jarvis provided a betting service in the marquee so guests could enjoy a little flutter.
Stones Events served up a range of delicious refreshments, and, for the first time, Indian cuisine was on the menu with chicken tikka as well as lamb chops supplied by The Marten Inn.
Strawberries and cream, Pimms and wine and an on-site ice cream van all brought an extra taste of summer as did the relaxing music played by a trio in the marquee.
And the warm weather also enabled lady guests to don their finery and really go to town with their race going outfits.
Spearing Waite’s Ascot Day is a firm favourite in Leicester’s business calendar and is our way of thanking our clients, professional contacts, colleagues and staff for all their support during the year
As in previous years, the event was well received by everyone who attended with many of our guests already looking forward to next year’s Ascot Day.
New Litigation Solicitor
We are pleased to announce that we have recently appointed Litigation solicitor Gary Adamson.
Gary previously worked for Nelsons in Leicester, where he spent two and a half years, and before that spent over 13 years working at legal practices in London, including Nabarro Nathanson and Cameron McKenna.
In his new role in our litigation department he will handle all aspects of litigation work but will also specialise in professional negligence.
He added: “Spearing Waite is a well established and well respected law firm which was offering just the sort of work I was looking for.
“Equally, I am confident I can offer the firm and its clients the services they require, making this appointment a natural fit for us both.”
Gary, who is 43 and originally from London, took his law degree and Legal Practice Course at the University of Westminster.
He is a member of R3 group, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals, and Leicestershire’s Young Lawyers Division.
Married with two children, he lives in Nottingham and enjoys playing golf, cricket and football in his spare time.
Employment Law partner joins Spearing Waite
We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Andrew Rowell as employment law partner.
Andrew, who is 42, joins us after eight years with law firm Nelsons in Leicester.
He began his career with Mills & Reeve in Norwich, qualifying as a solicitor in 1991. He then transferred to Mills & Reeve’s Cambridge office in 1994, before moving to Tollers in Leicester in 1998 which later merged with Nelsons in 2000.
Commenting on his new role, Andrew said he was keen to be working in a one office firm in a city in which he has long work and personal associations.
He added: “Spearing Waite has a culture I want to be a part of, with small dedicated teams of specialists serving both commercial and private clients”.
“I look forward to building on the firm’s excellent reputation in employment law as well as growing a leading employment team for the future”.
“On a personal level, I also want to continue to achieve a healthy work/life balance – working hard and playing hard, and not having to spend too much time getting to and from work.”
Andrew, who was born in Oxfordshire but now lives in Thurcaston, read law at Nottingham University and sat his Law Society Finals course at Nottingham Trent University.
A member of the Employment Lawyers’ Association, he also serves on the committee of Leicestershire Personnel Group.
Andrew, who is married with a 12 year old daughter and 14 year old son, takes an active interest in a number of sports. He serves on the committee of Rothley Tennis Club, is coach of Rothley Cricket Club’s Under 15s team and enjoys swimming and watching Leicester Tigers.
Spearing Waite appoints new corporate finance partner
Leicester law firm Spearing Waite has strengthened its corporate team with the appointment of corporate partner Martin Smith.
Martin, aged 32, was previously a partner in the Leeds office of national firm of solicitors Watson Burton and before that spent five years with major law firm Hammonds, also in Leeds.
He was recently named as a leader in the field of corporate finance work by legal directory Chambers and was also recommended for Young Corporate Finance Lawyer of the Year award in Yorkshire.
Martin specialises in mergers and acquisitions, public company and private equity transactions, corporate fundraising, investments and reorganisations, stock market listings and joint ventures.
Recent deals in which he has been involved include advising the management team of a major national business in a £1.15 billion buyout.
Commenting on his appointment, he said Spearing Waite’s personable, professional and passionate approach to legal work was a key reason for joining the firm.
He added: “I was impressed with the firm’s core values. My decision to join was based on the desire to provide a partner led, value added service as part of a dynamic corporate team which this role will enable me to do.
Martin and his wife Katie, who is also a lawyer, have two young daughters, Evie aged three and 18-month-old Alice.
In his spare time Martin enjoys playing golf and is also a keen runner. He recently took part in the Great North Run and Leeds Half Marathon and is currently in training for a triathlon at Rutland Water.
Three of our trainees took part in Freeth Cartwright's inaugural Corporate Relay Challenge which took place on 19th October. Seb Walker, Claire Wall and David Gorley (pictured below) ran 3.25 miles each, with David having to do 6.5 miles due to an injury to our fourth runner.
We are proud to announce that we came in 2nd, behind Tenon, yet again leaving other Leicester Solicitors firmly behind us!
Leicester Junior Lawyers' Division Ball - 10th October 2008
On Friday 10th October 2008 eight of Spearing Waite's trainees and newly qualified solicitors attended the annual LJLD Ball. The LJLD (formerly the Trainee Solicitors' Group) is a local branch of the Law Society which arranges social and networking events for young solicitors, barristers and LPC students in the area.
The Ball was held at the City Rooms in Leicester and over 110 young lawyers from the Leicestershire region were in attendance. Entertainment included a live band, a magician, a harp player and interestingly a belly-dancing snake charmer, who was without a doubt the highlight of the night. There was also a raffle during the evening, featuring some excellent prizes donated by several local businesses (two of these prizes incidentally were won by Spearing Waite's trainees). The income from ticket sales and raffle tickets helped the LJLD Committee to raise £1,000 for Vista, a local Charity that provides aid and care for the blind and partially sighted.
Spearing Waite's Lewis Hastie is currently a member of the LJLD Committee who organised the Ball and were featured in the Leicester Mercury the following week. The Ball received a number of Sponsors, most notably Hudsons Legal Recruitment who were also in attendance on the night.
Spearing Waite appoints new commercial litigation solicitor
Commercial litigation solicitor Yvonne Fisher has joined our litigation team.
Yvonne, who advises businesses and individuals on all aspects of commercial dispute resolution, was previously with Nelsons in Nottingham for four years.
Before that she worked for Headleys in Leicester, Hinckley and Lutterworth as a legal clerk, after obtaining her law Degree via Nottingham Trent University's distance learning course.
Yvonne, who sat her legal practice course at De Montfort University and qualified as a solicitor in June 2007, has also worked as a freelance artist.
Originally from Wigston, she still lives in Leicestershire and enjoys sailing at Attenborough Lake in her spare time.
Yvonne said: "Spearing Waite has a growing reputation in the region for its commercial litigation work and I welcome the opportunity to join the team."
Spearing Waite announces new partner in Corporate and Business Services
We are pleased to announce that corporate and business services associate Kate Blank has been promoted to partner.
Kate joined the firm a year ago after six years with solicitors Freeth Cartwright in Leicester. Before that she worked for Birmingham law firm Cobbetts – formerly Lee Crowder – for three years.
As a corporate lawyer, her role includes advising on management buy outs, the sales and purchase of businesses and franchises, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and commercial, shareholder and partnership agreements.
Commenting on becoming a partner she said her main aim was to continue to build the strong reputation enjoyed by Spearing Waite’s Corporate and Business Services Department.
She added: “I very much enjoy working with local businesses and assisting them in their plans. There is a lot of creativity and drive in the Leicester business community which I admire greatly and by advising local firms our team is playing its role in helping Leicester to prosper. The greatest satisfaction is where there is a willing buyer and a willing seller and it is a win/win situation. I like to see businesses, even those a client has sold, prosper rather than be defeated.”
Kate, who was born and raised in Leicester, read law and French at Birmingham University and speaks French fluently.
She and her husband now live in Rutland where Kate is a governor of Oakham School. In her spare time she enjoys riding, walking her two dogs and playing tennis
Spearing Waite appoints well known notary
We are pleased to announce that we have extended our range of services to clients with the appointment of well known and experienced notary John McLauchlan.
John, who qualified as a notary in 1985 and as a solicitor in 1964, was previously with Nelsons in Leicester.
As a notary, his role includes identifying and witnessing signatures in connection with foreign commercial transactions, the sale and purchase of overseas property, travel documents and work permits and certifying original or copies of original documents.
John said: “An increase in the number of people involved in business deals in Eastern Europe and buying to let properties in countries such as Bulgaria, has led to higher demand for notary services.
Similarly a notary is also needed when sponsoring relatives abroad, particularly in India and when people emigrate from the UK or get married outside Britain.
Notaries act independently and unlike solicitors have the jurisdiction to prepare and witness documents for use outside England and Wales. When involved in any overseas transaction which could have legal implications it is therefore important people seek the services of a notary to ensure they’re acting within the law.”
John, who before joining Nelsons was senior partner at Tollers solicitors in Leicester for many years, is also a Trust and Estate practitioner and is a member of STEP, the official body which represents the profession nationally and internationally.
Born and raised in Leicester, he attended Wyggeston School where crime writer and Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter was his Latin teacher.
Married with three children and three grandchildren, John who now lives in East Leicestershire, is an avid reader of crime novels and also enjoys horse racing and bowls.
Commenting on John’s appointment, managing partner Warwick Spearing said: “We are delighted to welcome John to the firm. His vast experience of notary work will allow us to offer an invaluable service to both our private and commercial clients.”
Casablanca event raises over £9000 for Age Concern
We hosted a ‘Casablanca’ themed evening after Ascot Day and raised more than £9,000 for Leicester Shire and Rutland Age Concern.
The event, sponsored by business advisers PKF, took place in our Ascot Day marquee, with the headline auction prize a round of golf for three donated by Gary Lineker.
Other sponsors included Collective Minds Limited, Champions Plc, The Imperial Events Company, Fenwick of Leicester and Debenhams.
We have raised over £100,000 for charity in the past four years.
Pictured at the event are (from left to right) Spearing Waite partner Jonathan Wheeler and his wife Maria and PKF partner Steve King with his wife Arouxnie.
(Photo courtesy of Leicestershire and Rutland Life)
Ascot Day
Spearing Waite’s 10th Annual Ascot Day was yet again a tremendous success. In glorious sunny weather the 500 present enjoyed splendid food and drink with the added bonus of an ice cream van which proved very popular, particularly when Ashwin Mody, one of our partners, decided it was more fun being an ice cream salesman than a solicitor!!
Mark Jarvis were again in attendance to provide a betting service for the afternoon race card and there were some guests who took home a lot more money than they brought.
The event has come to be regarded as the best in Leicester and the invites are greatly sought after, even to the extent that requests for invitations for next year have already started!!
The Partners hold the annual Ascot Day as a thank you to clients, professional contacts, colleagues and staff for their support throughout the year and, with virtually no speeches or formality, it is intended to be a thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable occasion. The testimonials we receive confirm that we have achieved and even exceeded our objective.
Trainees raise money for LOROS and Rainbows
Our trainees took part in the Vantis Corporate Challenge this year. £50 notes were handed to over 50 organisations an thent he challengers were sent on their mission to grow the money by as much as possible, legally!
Our guys and gals turned £50 into £643.22 by holding an office tuck shop, bring and buy sale, name the bear competition and by donations received for the firm's box at Leicester City Football Club. The end of the Challenge, which raised over £50,000 for LOROS and Rainbows, was celebrated with a black tie dinner held at the Walkers Stadium.
Pictured: Lewis Hastie, Alex Burdett, Rachel Carr, Jonathan Wheeler, Charlotte Clarke, Ebony Utting, Charlie Lane, Hannah Parker, Jonathan Foster.
Press release
Spearing Waite are delighted to announce that Richard Wyvill (Commercial Property) has been made a Partner of the firm with effect from 1st April 2008.
Victoria Jones (Litigation) is also promoted with effect from 1st April 2008 to Associate.
Both Richard and Victoria are dedicated to their areas of work and are highly regarded in the market place. Warwick Spearing, Senior Partner, said “both Richard and Victoria are a great asset to the firm and this will not only enhance their own careers, but also the firm’s reputation”.
Spearing Waite are currently on a recruitment drive to expand both their busy Commercial Property and Corporate and Business Services Departments.
Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2007
Spearing Waite was proud to be one of the main sponsors of the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards 2007. The prestigious event was held at the Leicester De Montfort Hall on 16th January 2008. Partner Jonathan Wheeler presented the award for Coach of the Year to Chris Mayer (Leicester Ladies Hockey). Jonathan is seen in the picture with Ben Kay of Leicester Tigers and England and Rebecca Herbert, GB International who collected the award on behalf of Chris Mayer.
Spearing Waite continues to fire on all cylinders as new “hot shots” join the Practice
Spearing Waite continue to go from strength to strength with the addition of new staff members. During the latter part of 2007, the following joined the practice to compliment the current team:
Kate Blank
Kate Blank joined the Corporate & Business Services Department from Freeth Cartwright in Leicester. Kate has many years experience of high quality corporate finance and corporate acquisitions and specialises in acting for mainly private companies, partnerships or LLPs. Kate is an Associate of the Firm.
Victoria Jones
Victoria Jones joined from The Smith Partnership in Derby to work alongside Jonathan Wheeler and his team in the Litigation Department. Victoria, who qualified as a Solicitor in 2000, has over seven years experience of Commercial Litigation but has particular expertise in property litigation and landlord and tenant disputes, especially on behalf of breweries.
Kishen Ravalia
Kishen Ravalia became a Solicitor in the Commercial Property Department upon qualification in 2007. Kishen deals with a wide range of Commercial Property transactions, including acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold property, various landlord and tenant matters to name but a few.
Nicola Smith
Nicola Smith trained with the firm and qualified in 2007, into the Litigation Department. Nicola deals with a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, including contractual, sale of goods and intellectual property matters.
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Spearing Waite’s Casino Royale Hits Jackpot for Rainbows
Spearing Waite’s Rainbows Dinner, held in a marquee at their offices recently, raised a staggering £30,000 for Rainbows Children’s Hospice. The theme was James Bond’s Casino Royale and 150 guests enthusiastically donned dinner jackets and sparkly frocks. There were gaming tables on the evening and a £1,000 diamond ring kindly donated by Lumbers was the glittering first prize!
Many local businessmen and women supported the event, sponsored by Berkeley Burke and assisted by John and Val Barker, making it a resounding success. Not shaken, but visibly stirred, Spearing Waite’s Senior Partner Warwick Spearing said “we are delighted to have organised and hosted such an immensely successful event. All of our hard work has been more than amply rewarded and all of our partners and staff are absolutely thrilled that Rainbows are the beneficiaries of this magnificent achievement”.
Specials thanks also goes to everyone who attended the event, all those who donated prizes and to Stones Events for the catering.
Spearing Waite have now raised just over £90,000 over the last three years for various charities.
Ascot Day – 22nd June 2007
Even the rain this year couldn’t dampen our Annual Ascot Day.
Clients and guests enjoyed the afternoon’s racing with betting provided by Mark Jarvis. Food and drink flowed all afternoon, once again catered by Stones Outside Events. There were many merry souls leaving the marquee early evening!
Once the racing was over, Abba UK provided the music for dancing
Another very enjoyable event, thanks to everyone who was able to join us.
New talent!
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Senior Solicitor Richard Wyvill who joins our hugely successful Commercial Property department. Richard came from Harvey Ingram LLP in Leicester having spent eight years there.
Since qualifying in 1994, Richard has specialised in commercial property, dealing with a broad remit of work with particular emphasis on landlord and tenant. Senior Partner Warwick Spearing commented, “We’re delighted to have secured Richard’s appointment. His particular specialisms and experience will enhance a team that is currently ranked as one of the leading commercial property departments in the east midlands”.
Call Richard on 0116 262 4225 or email to richard.w@spearingwaite.co.uk
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Our new identity unveiled!
At last! Our new brand identity was finally revealed at the Leicester Property and Business Show last month. It suits us perfectly – illustrating our professional, personable and passionate way of working.
Our new look went down a storm and had lots of attention from both new clients and our competitors!
Spearing Waite Solicitors specialise in: litigation, commercial property, employment law, insolvency, corporate recovery, development, plot sales, personal injury, intellectual property, corporate and business services, probate, commercial law, company law, sports law, family law, divorce, child law, family breakdown, search and seizure orders, private clients services, residential purchases, house sales, house purchases, wills and trusts.
