Leathes Prior announce the promotion of eight key staff
Leathes Prior is delighted to announce the promotion of eight key members of the firm, effective from 1 May 2024 including two new Partners, Harriet Howes, and Gareth Stevens. Jack Horwitz, Patrick Gibney, Chris Goodwin, and Julia Routledge have been promoted to Senior Associate, and Jordan Walker and Shaun Taylor have been promoted to Associate.
Leathes Prior is delighted to announce the promotion of eight key members of the firm, effective from 1 May 2024 including two new Partners, Harriet Howes, and Gareth Stevens. Jack Horwitz, Patrick Gibney, Chris Goodwin, and Julia Routledge have been promoted to Senior Associate, and Jordan Walker and Shaun Taylor have been promoted to Associate.
We are extremely proud to welcome Harriet Howes and Gareth Stevens, both of whom are highly experienced employment lawyers, to the Partnership, boosting the number of Partners at the firm to 17.
Harriet Howes, Partner in the Employment Team has shone since her arrival at LP in 2015, both as an excellent employment lawyer but also as a great contributor to many LP projects and causes. Harriet is known for being incredibly knowledgeable, extremely responsive, and passionate about her subject. An accomplished public speaker and well-respected colleague, we are delighted to see Harriet join the Partnership.
Gareth Stevens, Partner in the Employment Team made the move to LP in 2016 and was then promoted to Senior Associate in 2019. As a trusted advisor and integral part of the development and success of our Employment Team, Gareth has developed a significant presence throughout East Anglia (and beyond) acting for both employers and employees and is known for his commerciality and dedication to providing great client service. We are delighted to see Gareth also join the Partnership.
Senior Associate Promotions
We proudly announce the advancement of Jack Horwitz, Patrick Gibney, Chris Goodwin, and Julia Routledge to the position of Senior Associate. Jack, Patrick and Chris all began their LP careers as trainee solicitors and qualified with the firm in 2018 before being promoted to Associate level in 2022. This year we are delighted to announce their promotion to Senior Associate along with Julia Routledge in our Commercial Property Team.
Jack Horwitz, a key member of the firm’s Corporate & Commercial Team provides efficient and expert advice to clients on a variety of corporate and commercial matters, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and franchising advice alongside contributing to the firm’s LP Sports Team. Jack has created a reputation for his professionalism and attentiveness.
Patrick Gibney has played a significant role in the development of the Wills, Trusts, & Probate Team in recent years, and as the team goes from strength to strength, this position is very much deserved. Patrick provides specialist advice to clients on a wide range of estate administration matters, ensuring clients' affairs are structured in the best possible way for their circumstances.
Chris Goodwin, a dedicated commercial litigator continues to play a vital role in the success of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team, with a focus on commercial disputes. In addition to advising clients on contract disputes, IP matters, and partnership disputes, Chris has specialist experience in sporting contracts, having advised teams and drivers in a number of motorsport related disputes. Chris is also an active member of the firms Sports & Social Committee, working on initiatives to bring the firm together throughout the year, including the infamous Pub Quiz he and Patrick run.
Julia Routledge joined Leathes Prior in 2021 and has become a senior member of the team, being instrumental to the development and growth of the Commercial Property and Agriculture Teams. Passionate about the agricultural industry, Julia is making excellent strides in developing LP’s agricultural practice.
Associate Promotions
And last, but certainly not least, we have promoted two talented lawyers to the role of Associate. Their contributions and dedication to their respective roles have been exemplary, reflecting the values upheld by Leathes Prior.
Jordan Walker is a valued member of the Wills, Trusts, & Probate Team, known for her professional and sensitive manner which helps her to work with her clients to achieve life planning goals and to provide advice at difficult times for family and loved ones. Jordan's LP competitive spirit shines as she is the reigning champion of the LP Pub Challenge, yet she is unwaveringly supportive and kind to colleagues.
Shaun Taylor has been a key member of the Leathes Prior Property Disputes Team since joining LP in the summer of 2022. Shaun specialises in Landlord and Tenant disputes and has consistently provided expert advice to clients on a full range of property dispute matters, including areas of complex property litigation.
Dan Chapman, Partner at Leathes Prior, said “It is a real pleasure to see all these lawyers take these well-deserved steps in their legal careers. Their elevation highlights our commitment to recognising and nurturing talent within the firm, ensuring our continued success and growth. On behalf of all the Partners here at LP, I extend a huge congratulations to all who have been promoted.”
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It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.
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