Newtons’ fast expansion sees firm appoint three directors

Newtons, which has offices in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and York, said the new directors will practice in dispute resolution, private client and property.

The three new directors are currently senior solicitors at the firm and include Rob Minors, who heads up dispute resolution, Elizabeth Webb, who runs the firm’s wills, probate and tax planning department and the head of property, John Paice, who also manages the newly-launched York office at Northminster Business Park.

The directors will work within separate divisions and report to managing director, Chris Newton, who founded the business with his wife and fellow director, Sarah, in 2009.

“The business has grown far beyond our wildest dreams and it is no longer feasible for Sarah and I to manage the business on our own,” said Mr Newton.

“These latest appointments reflect the commitment and success of the team so far and will enable me to concentrate on more strategic development, particularly as a number of other acquisitions are presenting themselves.

“These are definitely exciting times which are likely to lead to further expansion at the business as we continue our quest to create a new home-grown regional law firm for Yorkshire.”

Mr Minors, who was a partner at Raworths, Harrogate, before joining Newtons, qualified in 2002 and specialises in commercial litigation, insolvency and contentious probate.

Ms Webb qualified as a solicitor in 2004, having previously qualified as an attorney at law in California in 1992 and now specialises in wills, probate and tax planning.

Mr Paice qualified in 2008 and specialises in commercial and residential property. He also works on debt enforcement and property management company issues. He joined Newtons last November to help set up the office in York, having worked there for the past six years.

Mr Minors said: “Our business structure works far better than traditional law firm partnerships where all partners typically seek to be involved in every aspect of running the business.

“Our approach enables fast decision-making in the best interests of the business, our staff and clients and clear lines of responsibility. Newtons is run as a modern business rather than a traditional law firm, which undoubtedly contributes to its success.”

Newtons Solicitors bucked the downward legal sector trend last year, announcing growth of 75 per cent at the end of 2012.

It launched its York office in January and now has 29 staff working across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines.

Last month Newtons bought North East practice Hodgsons & Mortimer, which has offices in Darlington and Richmond, from brothers Nick and Richard Hodgson for an undisclosed sum.

“Hodgson & Mortimer is a good and profitable business with a loyal client base,” said Mr Newton.

“We are giving Nick and Richard a good succession plan while they are giving us a solid foothold from which to develop our practice in the north of our region.”

Newtons expects fee income to reach £1.2m in this financial year.