Law firm ABR set for new era after buyout

The practice, which was originally part of Leeds law firm Clarion, has expanded rapidly in recent years.

Apart from Leeds, it has offices in Liverpool, Harrogate, Huddersfield and Keighley.

In 2012, it re-branded, changing its name from Clarion Advocates to ABR Solicitors. The expanded practice has a total of 27 criminal lawyers across its five offices.

Led by senior partner, Rob Rode, the MBO involves the senior management team of Tony Murphy, Susannah Proctor and Keith Allen. Funding has been provided by Nat West.

ABR Solicitors offers a range of fraud crime and regulatory services. It defends prosecutions and investigations of all kinds, and also advises businesses about regulatory compliance.

Managing partner of Clarion, Mark Burns, said: “Over the last three years, the criminal practice has gone from strength to strength under Rob’s strong leadership.

“Together, we have pursued a strategy of optimising its strong reputation in criminal law by establishing a network of offices throughout the north and the practice is now at a stage to operate as a successful, stand-alone business.

“As one of the UK’s leaders in this niche area of law, it makes sense for the team at ABR Solicitors to concentrate on their particular expertise and focus on offering their services as a specialist practice while we continue to serve the needs of our own clients.”

Mr Rode added: “Thanks to the backing of a solid firm like Clarion, we have been able to build on our position as one of the top four practices nationwide, handling numerous high profile and complex cases all over the country.

“The firm’s support has allowed us to pursue an ambitious expansion programme and we are excited to be embarking on the next stage of ABR’s development as an independent business.”

Last year, Mr Burns predicted further consolidation in a “very tough” legal market, after Clarion achieved healthy turnover growth. Clarion, which has 100 staff, grew its turnover by 16.5 per cent in the 12 months to May 31, 2013, from £8.4m to £9.8m.

Clarion was created in February 2007, when one of Yorkshire’s best-known lawyers, Peter McCormick, sold his Leeds-based practice to a team of lawyers at the firm.

Mr McCormick and his two longest-serving partners transferred to the firm’s Harrogate practice, which has continued to trade, and grow, as McCormicks.

Clarion marked a milestone in its growth in 2012, when it moved to a larger head office in Elizabeth House, in Queen Street, Leeds, from its original base in nearby Oxford Place.