Hutton, Millmore and Moran to lead Clarion as Burns exits

Mr Hutton and Mr Millmore have been named joint managing partners of the Leeds-based firm, which was subject of a management buyout in 2007.

Richard Moran, who worked on the buyout with Mr Hutton and Mr Burns, has been named senior partner.

Family law specialist Mr Burns is departing after more than seven years as managing partner.

“After 27 years with Clarion, I am very proud of what we have accomplished, particularly my seven years as managing partner working with the other founding partners to help establish Clarion as a leading firm in the Leeds legal market,” Mr Burns said.

“I wish all of the great people at Clarion the very best for the future.”

Since 2007, the firm has doubled in size, growing to a 117-strong team including 19 partners. Its turnover in the year to May 2013 was £9.7m, up from £8.4m the previous year.

Clarion has grown into “one of the most region’s most respected firms”, Mr Hutton said.

He said: “Mark has made a major contribution to our growth and success over the last seven years, helping us to build a distinctive brand as a highly commercial alternative to the global firms.

“Since establishing the firm, we have doubled income and head count as well as relocating to a prestigious new head office.”

The business is currently on track to meet performance targets for the current financial year and has “ambitious plans” to develop further, he added.

Based at Elizabeth House on Queen Street, Clarion offers corporate finance, business, dispute resolution, corporate recovery and private client services.

It has been a prominent charity supporter and is a backer of the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k.

Prior to 2007, the practice was owned by one of the region’s best-known lawyers, Peter McCormick.

In 2010, the firm established criminal law division Clarion Advocates. It rebranded as ABR Solicitors before spinning out from Clarion in a management buyout last year.