A Yorkshire firm has made its move into public law with the capture of one of the sector’s most prominent lawyers.
Imogen Jolley has joined Middleton Law after 14 years with national firm Simpson Millar where she helped to establish one of the biggest public law practices in the country.
She is reunited with former Simpson Millar partner Neil Fearn, now the owner of Middleton Law after previously working as group head of dispute resolution at Metamorph.
Jolley left Simpson Millar earlier this year to establish a practice in her own right. She had held positions as a director and a member of its senior management team and led a team of more than 50 covering education, community care and Court of Protection work.
Fearn said the hire gives the firm an opportunity to develop public law in the business and complement existing areas of work.
He said: ‘This represents a significant step towards achieving the strategic goals for the practice and helps us to deliver on our ambitious growth plans.
‘Middleton Law are always keen to speak to lawyers with entrepreneurial flair who are looking for a new challenge and want to share in success in the comfort of a law firm setting that really embraces the importance of a great culture and work life balance.’
Jolley added: ‘I spent many happy years at Simpson Millar and retain many friendships and wish the firm every success but felt that I needed a new challenge and when this opportunity arose it seemed a perfect fit.’
Simpson Millar said its public law division remains a core service offering at the firm, with multiple specialist teams including: education law, Court of Protection, community care, public law and human rights, claims against public authorities, abuse law, childcare proceedings, and family law.
The firm has announced a new management structure for the division of experts in their respective field: Liam Goggin as head of practice area and head of abuse; Sarah Woosey, head of education; Melanie Varey, head of Court of Protection; Patricia Cannon, head of childcare and family law; and Victoria Pogge von Strandmann as head of public law and human rights.
A spokesperson added: ‘We anticipate that the practice area will grow and expand under the guidance of the management team.’
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