Lewis Silkin continues North of England growth with new Leeds office and partner hire

Having studied, trained, and worked in Leeds throughout his career, James is well known in the region as a trusted employment and HR law advisor to some of the largest corporations in Yorkshire.

A specialist in complex change/restructuring projects, industrial relations and trade union issues, sensitive investigations, and TUPE matters, James’ clients include household name brands in retail, luxury, hospitality, sport and manufacturing including FTSE 250 and AIM businesses.

James will be joined (in early summer) by Managing Associate Gemma Woodhead. Previously an in-house employment counsel at Warner Brothers, Gemma spent 8 years supporting various businesses across the entertainment group and helping to manage their workforces across EMEA.

James and Gemma will be supported by Associate Breesha Loughran, who brings expertise in workplace investigations and Employment Tribunal litigation.

The new office marks the latest step in the growth of Lewis Silkin’s national presence, following the firm’s launch and rapid growth in Manchester last year, and adding to its offices and regional hubs in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin and Hong Kong.

Together, the new hires further enhance Lewis Silkin’s position as one of the UK’s largest specialist employment law teams, with the team now led by 34 partners.

James Keogh, partner at Lewis Silkin, commented:

“I’m over the moon to be joining Lewis Silkin and helping to build our new presence in Leeds. We’ll be a part of the UK’s leading specialist employment team, providing the firm with a strategically important base in Yorkshire and adding to the strength of its offering across the North of England.

It’s an exciting period of growth for Lewis Silkin and our new footprint means we are perfectly placed to support the ever-changing needs of our clients. I look forward to our Leeds team making a valuable contribution to the continued success of this fantastic firm.”

Richard Miskella, Joint Managing Partner at Lewis Silkin, added:

“I’m delighted to welcome James, Gemma and Breesha to Lewis Silkin. James is a real rising star with a well-earned reputation in the region and beyond for advising on complex employment issues at the highest level, for a range of both national and Yorkshire-based clients. The combined team bring both depth of local market knowledge and breadth of expertise in our core and high growth sectors.

Their appointment, and the opening of our new office in Leeds - hot on the heels of Manchester - is an important step forward to establish a strong and joined up presence in the North that will work alongside Lewis Silkin’s other offices. We are constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are now able to deliver local access to the highest-quality teams and advice through our regional hubs – including in the North of England, one of the most dynamic and innovative economic regions in the UK.”