An ‘amicable’ parting for the head of Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office

Nick Bates told the Yorkshire Post that the parting was “completely amicable”.

He said he is now looking for new opportunities outside of the legal profession.

Jane Wright, a partner in the firm’s personal injury team, will take over the running of the 200-strong office.

Mr Bates, who is 48, was appointed regional managing partner in Leeds two years ago. He was previously national head of litigation at Irwin Mitchell.

He said: “For quite a while I have wanted to do something else. I have done 23 years in law. I want new interests and challenges and I indicated that to them and we agreed that’s what I will do.”

He was with Irwin Mitchell for seven years, joining from Walker Morris, where he spent 15 years.

He said: “The parting was completely amicable. I have no axe to grind and nor will they. I wish Irwin Mitchell all the best and think they will be very successful in the future.”

Irwin Mitchell has won regulatory approval to raise external finance to fund its ambitious growth plans and is considering options including an initial public offering.

Mr Bates added that he has no plans to join another large law firm: “I have gone from paralegal to regional managing partner so I have nothing to prove there.”

He said that he would like to provide legal advice in a different context and is keen to continue his work in adoption – he is adopted and has a long-standing interest in the field – and in Leeds-related economic development issues.

A spokesman thanked Mr Bates for his “hard work, commitment and contribution” to Irwin Mitchell and its Leeds office.