Chadwick Lawrence promotes Leanne Franks to partner

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, a prominent Northern law firm, has recently elevated Leanne Franks to the position of equity partner. This promotion comes in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the firm over the past 11 years, during which she has established herself as a leading figure in the corporate and commercial department. Franks now holds a direct stake in the firm's success and is set to play a crucial role in shaping its strategic direction.

Franks first joined Chadwick Lawrence as a newly qualified lawyer, without any prior experience in corporate and commercial law. Since then, she has cultivated her expertise with the firm’s backing, ultimately building a loyal client base that appreciates her practical and solutions-driven approach. Notably, Franks serves as a trusted adviser to various esteemed clients, including Huddersfield Town Football Club, Leeds Rhinos, and Barnsley FC.

Three years ago, her career took a significant step forward when she was appointed as partner and head of the corporate and commercial team, a role that underscored both her professional growth and the firm’s trust in her leadership capabilities. Known for her collaborative and pragmatic style, Franks takes pride in mentoring junior lawyers and nurturing their development within the legal field.

Upon her promotion, Franks expressed her feelings about this new role, stating “Becoming an equity partner is something I’m really proud of, and on a personal level, it feels like recognition of the journey I’ve been on with the firm over the past 11 years. Starting out with no experience in corporate and commercial law, I’ve had to learn and grow at every stage, so reaching this point is incredibly rewarding. Professionally, it reflects the trust the firm has placed in me, not just in terms of the work I do with clients, but also in leading the department. It strengthens my sense of responsibility for the team, our clients and the continued development of the firm, and I’m looking forward to building on what we’ve achieved so far.”

Neil Wilson, the managing partner at Chadwick Lawrence, also commented on Franks' promotion, stating “Leanne’s contribution to the firm over the past decade has been outstanding. Her commercially minded approach coupled with a collaborative and pragmatic leadership style has seen her significantly increase our client base and develop strong talent in our team. We are proud to make her our next equity partner.”