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Pre-nuptial agreements: pessimistic or realistic?
Trio of new partners at LCF Law
Three new partners have joined LCF Law, which has recently reported double-digit growth. The firm has appointed Rebecca Ridley, Liam O’Neill and Ellie Foster, who have 60 years' combined legal experience.
Rebecca has spent the last 14 years working at well-known Leeds firms, and most recently working at KPMG Law. Keen for a fresh challenge, Rebecca joins LCF Law’s corporate team, which works with businesses of all sizes.
Rebecca said: “I’ve always had a real sense of justice and enjoy negotiations, as well as successfully navigating deals for clients. Guiding clients through a transaction process, as well as advising on business restructures, succession planning, employee ownership schemes and much more, is a real privilege. I’ve led large-scale business sales for corporates over the years and I also particularly enjoy working for owner managed businesses, helping them to solve problems and achieve their goals.”
Liam joins LCF Law’s personal law team in Ilkley and brings more than 26 years’ experience to the role, most recently working at Harrogate-firm, Berwins. Liam said: “I’ve known Neil Shaw, who heads the department at LCF Law, for years and know what a great team he has built.
“Now was right time for me to make the move, and I look forward to continuing to help clients with wills, probate and trusts. I’m also keen to continue my disputes work, supporting both the personal and disputes teams dealing with errant trustees and mediating will disputes for example, bridging the gap between these two areas of the law. I also look forward to building on my relationships with other professional advisors across Yorkshire.”
Ellie joins LCF Law’s family law team from Harrogate-based Raworths and previously worked for two Leeds based firms. Having completed a masters degree in chemistry, Ellie moved into law in 2001, training at a London law firm. Ellie said: “I wanted to work with people going through a difficult time in their lives, which is why the family side of law appealed to me. Helping clients who are separating or divorcing, arranging pre and post marital agreements and dealing with disputes between people who have previously lived together, to ultimately resolve their issues, is very rewarding.
“I have particular expertise in the financial aspects of divorce, and dealing with very complex high net worth cases, both mediating and taking court action when necessary. Every legal case I work on needs forensic analysis and a logical approach, especially when dealing with complicated financial matters and pensions of divorcing couples. I have helped clients to obtain English pension orders, when their divorcing spouse lives abroad, and relish the opportunity to help clients when it comes to pension division, which is often an overlooked and undervalued area.”
Ellie is a member of Resolution, the largest membership organisation for family justice professionals and is a Resolution trained mentor, as well and being a trained collaborative lawyer. She has been recognised by the Chambers Guide and Legal 500, which are both independent guides that rank legal professionals.
LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “All three new partners are not only highly experienced lawyers, but they really care about their clients and have longstanding relationships that results in plenty of repeat work and recommendations. We look forward to working with Rebecca, Liam and Ellie as we continue to strengthen our 145-strong team.”