Gordons confirms recruitment as lawyers exit private client team

The firm, which has offices in Bradford and Leeds, confirmed that four lawyers in its private client team had handed in notice in recent weeks. The team is currently made up of 13 people. Recruitment for staff is already underway.

Paul Ayre, managing partner at Gordons, confirmed the departures but said it is “business as usual” for the coming months.

He said: “We can confirm that a few weeks ago some of our private client team served notice.

“The people concerned have six month notice periods and will continue to work for the firm during that time.

“It is very much business as usual, and we remain fully committed to providing a private client service. We are well underway in recruiting for the positions and will announce the successful candidates in due course.”

Gordons was founded in Bradford in 1844. Currently, 34 partners work across its two offices.

The firm competes against mid-market rivals such as DWF, Irwin Mitchell and Lupton Fawcett Denison Till as well as the established Big Six’ firms of Addleshaw Goddard, DLA Piper, Eversheds, Pinsent Masons, Squire Patton Boggs and Walker Morris.

Last month, the firm revealed a turnover and profits were down for the year to March 31 2014, following a “challenging year”.

Turnover fell 11 per cent to £22.93m, while pre-tax profits were £10.16m, down 8.4 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Mr Ayre said: “The whole sector is going through a period of change and we are not immune to that.”