MCCORMICKS SOLICITORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Brian is a Solicitor specialising in all aspects of Crime.
He appears regularly in the Magistrates' Courts and police stations across North Yorkshire and further afield, representing clients across a wide range of criminal and motoring offences.
He is a qualified police station representative and holds Duty Solicitor status.
He also has substantial experience preparing cases for the Crown Court, advising clients and instructing Counsel in a wide range of matters including serious sexual offences, including historic sex offences, violence, drugs and fraud.
Brian has successfully represented clients charged with offences such as rape, robbery, fraud and theft. His approach includes a thorough analysis of the prosecution case, a strong understanding of case law, detailed preparation, and the effective use of expert witnesses to find evidence that supports his client's defence.
Brian qualified as a solicitor in February 2018.
Prior to his career in law, Brian was a successful journalist and worked as deputy editor for a number of regional newspapers.
What People Say...
"Really appreciated support, advice and kindness of Brian Nuttney. He did an outstanding job of helping me through a difficult time and challenging circumstances. Excellent legal advice and magnificent listening and empathy." - Client testimonial
"I was treated with kindness and consideration at a very difficult time. I cannot praise Mr Nuttney and Mr Minnikin high enough." - Client testimonial
"I feel very lucky that I chose Brian Nuttney to represent me at my recent court appearance for speeding. Mr Nuttney instantly put me at ease, at what was a very stressful time. He undertook a thorough and constructive review of my case and the circumstances around it and put forward a well structured and reasoned plea for mitigation, resulting in a fine and a 28 day ban which, at a speed of 117 mph, was a better resolution that I had feared. I would happily recommend Brian to anyone seeking high quality legal help." - Client Testimonial
Brian is a Solicitor who joined the firm in April 2014 and works in the Criminal Law department.
Claire has extensive experience in commercial property transactions, which includes:
acquisition and disposal of freehold and commercial leasehold properties including offices, shopping centres, business parks, retail units, residential care homes, hotels, pubs and restaurants;
transactional landlord and tenant work including lease renewals and assignments;
acquisition of land for residential and commercial development;
acquisition of land for the development of telecommunications infrastructure;
portfolio acquisitions and subsequent break-up and disposals;
management of client property portfolios.
Claire has worked in both private practice and, more recently in-house and has joined McCormicks from an investment company where she managed the legal aspects of the extensive property portfolio, including the provision of related strategic and commercial advice to the board, and dealt with freehold and leasehold property acquisitions and disposals and landlord and tenant matters.
Since qualifying as a solicitor, Claire has acted for the NHS, a major supermarket chain, the Department of Transport, an international shopping centre developer, financial institutions, local authorities, property developers, companies, landowners, partnerships, sole traders and individuals.
Claire is a Senior Associate in our Commercial Property Department and has extensive experience in commercial property transactions.
David is the Head of the Commercial Disputes and Sports Litigation Team. The team offers a wide range of litigation services to both individuals and businesses, which incorporates Corporate and Commercial Recovery and Insolvency.
Before becoming a solicitor David headed up the North Yorkshire Trading Standards Consumer Advice Team and Special Investigations Team dealing with Regulatory matters and specialising in Anti-counterfeiting matters.
David has also spent time working for the Department of Trade and Industry specialising in Directors Disqualification and Insolvency. David is a member of R3.
David has significant experience with matters involving: breach of contract, unfair prejudice claims, partnership disputes, professional negligence (claimant and defendant), landlord and tenant, dilapidations claims, HM Land Registry and matters with multi-jurisdictional elements, sports disputes (arbitrations, tribunals and FA, Premier League and EFL regulatory matters). His specialisms are in insolvency (individual and corporate) and Directors Disqualification Act Proceedings.
In relation to regulatory matters, David acts for professionals in relation to disciplinary matters, with a particular emphasis on registered pharmacists. This work is wide ranging, involving aspects including representation before professional regulators.
David brings an approach which will always be tailored to client priorities. It is always proportionate to the matter in hand and involves a cost benefit analysis at the earliest possible stage. David advocates all appropriate forms of alternative dispute resolution to seek to resolve disputes as quickly and cost effectively as possible.
David acts for a broad range of clients, including insurers, national and international corporates, entrepreneurs, large family estates, insolvency practitioners (and those facing claims by them), charities, the Premier League, Leeds United FC and professional players and managers.
David's team can offer advice and experience in other matters such as:
All aspects of Commercial Litigation including business, Partnership and Company disputes.
Regulatory matters including Public Contract Procurement.
Sports and Regulatory disputes.
Property litigation including advising on commercial leases and property disputes.
Professional negligence claims.
Employment litigation particularly in respect of the commercial impact on business where contracts of employment are breached.
Mediation, Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - advising and guiding clients through the ADR process with a view to reducing costs of Litigation.
Directors Disqualification Act proceedings
Matters relating to Insolvency and Bankruptcy including both personal and corporate Insolvency.
What People Say About David...
"David was solicitor with the skills and knowledge to fight our case. Thank you David - Cresit sub pondere virtus [Virtue increases under oppression]." The Farmers Creed
"Enjoyed the interaction with David Birks on a civil matter. Great advice, whilst the courts appeared in disarray David controlled the case on our behalf. Happy to recommend David and his firm, great service and value." Client Feedback
"Thank you so much David. I can truly recommend you. I certainly will not go anywhere else." Client Feedback
David Leuchars is a Solicitor in our Corporate and Commercial Department.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Head of Private Client Elaine Lightfoot
- Property Specialist Heather Roberts
Elaine graduated with an Honours degree in Geography from Liverpool University and then moved to Leeds to obtain her legal qualifications.
Elaine worked for a major Leeds law firm for eleven years, completed her training contract with them and remained with the practice following qualification, working exclusively in their Private Client Department.
Elaine's areas of expertise include Wills, Trusts, Settlements, Inheritance Tax Planning, the Administration of Estates and Trusts of all sizes and complexities, together with Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. Elaine also handles work for a number of clients in Agriculture and Rural Affairs, guiding them on the protection of their wealth and the successful handing on of it to future generations. She is also active in the Charities field, advising a number of charities on their formation and operation. Elaine also advises in respect of care home fees planning.
Job Titles:
- Junior Criminal Law Executive
Eve is a Junior Criminal Law Executive working in the Criminal Department at McCormicks. She assists Peter Minnikin, the Head of the Criminal Team, Brian Nuttney, Senior Associate Solicitor and Kate Develly, Trainee Solicitor in all aspects of Criminal work and client care.
Hayley Firth is our Accounts Manager, working alongside Accounts Assistant, Reena Patel, to ensure the smooth running of the Accounts Department.
Helen is a highly regarded Criminal Law Executive with over 12 years' experience in criminal law.
Helen assists our head of the Criminal Department, Peter Minnikin and Senior Associate Solicitor Brian Nuttney, dealing with all aspects of client care within the department. She also supports the team with all administration tasks and is the first point of contact for all our criminal law clients.
Prior to joining McCormicks Helen gained over 10 years' experience in various fields of law and is adept at assisting on complex cases, securing legal aid funding and liaising with external agencies.
What People Say about Us...
"This firm has been involved in some of the region's most significant criminal cases." Chambers UK
"This Harrogate-based operation acts on allegations of fraud as well as regulatory matters such as trading standards investigations, prosecutions for the HSE and investigations and prosecutions by HM Revenue & Customs and the DTI." Chambers UK
"With more than its fair share of ranked individuals, this firm is best known for the quality of its white collar work." Chambers UK
"This firm has been involved in some of the region's most significant criminal cases. It recently acted in a highly publicised kidnapping case involving a well-known Yorkshire Barrister. It also has expertise in white-collar crime and fraud matters, and its lawyers "guide clients and follow cases through from A to Z."" Chambers UK
Iain is the Head of Employment at McCormicks.
Iain has received recommendations in the leading independent Guides to the profession, The Legal 500 and Chambers UK.
Iain advises on all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment matters including:
Settlement agreements and negotiated exits
Directors and boardroom disputes
Claims for unfair/wrongful dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing in the Employment Tribunal
Drafting and negotiating contracts of employment and service agreements
Advising on grievance and disciplinary matters and the termination of employment
TUPE advice and advising on employment aspects of corporate and property transactions
Advising on the implementation and enforcement of restrictive covenants and confidentiality obligations
Trade union issues, redundancy and restructuring
Partnership matters and disputes
Iain has advised businesses across a range of sectors including tech, manufacturing, financial services, recruitment, transport and logistics and health and social care.
Iain is a CEDR accredited mediator and an accredited workplace mediator. He can also be instructed as an independent investigator in relation to employment issues. He also advises on GDPR and Data Protection matters in employment and commercial work, including compliance and data breaches.
Ismael is a qualified Barrister and Police Station Representative with over 24 years' experience in Criminal and Regulatory Law.
He has been involved in prosecuting and defending cases for the Government, public and private sector organisations. (Crown Prosecution Service, HMRC, Environment Agency) but now exclusively defends in all cases.
His experience means he is familiar with Government procedures from the Crown Prosecution Service and cases involving the various Government bodies.
Having worked within the field of criminal and regulatory law from start to finish he has gained extensive detailed knowledge of the mechanisms within the Government such as, investigations, sanctions, public policy, costs, and enforcement.
He has experience of cases ranging from serious assaults to complex frauds often dealing with domestic violence and vulnerable victims including allegations of sexual offending. This has allowed him to have an advanced understanding of the risks. Taking measures to reduce risks as well as resolve matters with a working solution in line with public policy and guidance.
Job Titles:
- Head of Department
- Partner
- Head of the Corporate and Commercial Department
James is Head of the Corporate and Commercial Department at McCormicks.
He routinely advises companies, LLPs and partnerships, on both corporate and commercial matters. Regular instructions include buying and selling businesses and companies, restructuring companies and groups, joint ventures, shareholder and partnership agreements. James drafts and advises on commercial agreements for his clients, such as terms and conditions, asset sale and lease agreements and private loans.
James has acted for a broad range of both domestic and international clients including football clubs, motor retailers, national estate agents, racecourse operators, manufacturers, publishers, online service providers, retailers and farmers.
James headed up the Corporate and Commercial departments at other well known regional practices before joining McCormicks in September 2019.
What People Say About Us...
"McCormicks is an established advisor to sport sector clients in particular, with clients such as the Premier League, the EFL and Leeds United FC on its roster. Here, it advises on commercial contracts and sponsorship agreements. The practice also offers support to hospitality and leisure as well as private clients. The key contacts and practice heads are James Towler and Senior Partner Peter McCormick." Legal 500
"Excellent corporate advice, value for money, huge experience." Legal 500
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Solicitor
- Commercial Property Solicitor
Janice Colley is an experienced Commercial Property Lawyer and prior to joining McCormicks was former Partner of a medium sized Leeds law firm before becoming a Consultant Solicitor working with well-known Yorkshire based law firms and also in-house. She has been recognised as an expert by the Legal 500.
Janice has built up a strong reputation for offering expert legal advice on a wide range of commercial property matters and acquisitions and disposals including specific expertise in the licensed premises, especially pubs and hotels. She has experience in acting for large corporations, including Pubcos and dentists, as well as small and medium enterprises and individual property investors. In addition Janice has advised on a broad range of property related matters, including telecommunication site acquisitions and acting for land owners in relation to green energy storage.
Janice is a Commercial Property Solicitor with over 25 years' qualified experience both in private practice and in-house and her extensive experience and range of clients approachability has meant she is at ease working with large and small clients recognising the importance of a transaction to the client no matter the ultimate value of the matter.
Kate is a Trainee Solicitor working in the Criminal Law Department at McCormicks. She assists Peter Minnikin, the Head of the Criminal Law Team and Brian Nuttney, Associate Solicitor, in all aspects of Criminal work and client care.
Kate is also an accredited police station representative.
Kate graduated from the University of Lincoln with a joint honours degree in Criminology and English. She completed the Graduate Diploma of Law followed by the Legal Practice Course with Masters at the University of Law in Leeds.
What People Say about Us...
"This firm has been involved in some of the region's most significant criminal cases." Chambers UK
"This Harrogate-based operation acts on allegations of fraud as well as regulatory matters such as trading standards investigations, prosecutions for the HSE and investigations and prosecutions by HM Revenue & Customs and the DTI." Chambers UK
"With more than its fair share of ranked individuals, this firm is best known for the quality of its white collar work." Chambers UK
"This firm has been involved in some of the region's most significant criminal cases. It recently acted in a highly publicised kidnapping case involving a well-known Yorkshire Barrister. It also has expertise in white-collar crime and fraud matters, and its lawyers "guide clients and follow cases through from A to Z."" Chambers UK
Katy is a Senior Associate in our Residential Property Department and has a wealth of experience in property, working primarily in private practice on behalf of individuals and companies. She is a dedicated professional.
Having successfully completed her Solicitor exams at the College of Law in London many years ago, she has recently completed her Masters and now has the title MSc after her name.
Katy likes to play piano in her spare time and is currently studying Grade 5. She enjoys live music, theatre and architecture and is particularly interested in historical building conservation. She is an active member of Orca and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Lucy is a Solicitor in our Family Department. She assists the Head of Family, Stephen Hopwood in acting for a broad range of clients in all aspects of Family law including divorce, finances; resolving disputes about children; separation agreements; cohabitation issues and cohabitation agreements; pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements; and family law injunctions.
Lucy graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in History. She then completed the Graduate Diploma Law and Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Leeds. Lucy then completed her two year training contract at McCormicks in the Family Department under the supervision of Stephen Hopwood.
Mark is a Consultant Solicitor working in the Criminal Department and specialises in Serious Fraud, particularly Tax Frauds and the Proceeds of Crime work connected to such cases.
Known in certain circles as "MR MTIC", Mark has been dealing with serious VAT fraud cases since the early 1990's and brings with him an unrivalled level of knowledge and expertise on the subject. He has experience of cases in all the main well-known areas of VAT fraud such as precious metals, mobile telephones, computer chips, scrap metal, the film industry, etc. He has represented clients in many of the largest investigations and subsequent trials prosecuted by HMC&E ad HMRC. Over the years many clients have been successfully defended with several cases being halted as a result of applications to stay the proceedings as an abuse of process of the Court. Mark is currently working with other members of the McCormicks team on Operation Barbados, a complex offsetting fraud which has taken over eight years to reach the Courts and will take a number of years to reach a conclusion. Mark is known for his eye for detail which will certainly be required in a case with over 400,000 pages of served evidence.
In his spare time Mark enjoys rally driving, a sport that requires similar levels of judgement to his professional work.
Job Titles:
- Senior Partner
- Agriculture Lawyer of the Year UK
- Niche Practice Lawyer of the Year
- Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year
Peter heads the Sports and Media/Entertainment practice at McCormicks and is an internationally recognised expert in these areas of work. Recently, he was voted by his peers one of the best Sports and Entertainment lawyers in the world, following research by the leading guide, Who's Who Legal.
Regarded as one of the top sports lawyers in the UK, Peter is best known as the Chairman of the Legal Advisory Group of the Premier League and Chairman of the League's Football Board, both Executive positions. In August 2015, he was unanimously elected by the 20 Clubs of the League to be a Director of the Football Association (FA) and a member of the FA Council. Prior to these appointments, he was Chairman of the Premier League 2014/15.
In March 2016, he was elected by the Premier League and the Professional Game Board of the FA to the Football Regulatory Authority (FRA), which performs the regulatory, disciplinary and Rule-making functions of the FA. He is also an FA Ambassador, representing England and the FA at international matches abroad and away from Wembley.
In May 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the Panel of Ambassadors and a member of the FA Group Remuneration Committee and the FA Council Membership and Appointments Committee.
In August 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the FA Group Remuneration Committee, serving a six year term until July 2022. In addition, he was made Chairman of the FA Premier League Medical Care Scheme Ltd, a company providing private health care to 95% of professionals in football in this country.
In July 2017, he was unanimously elected Vice Chairman of the FA, serving a five year term until July 2022.
In November 2018, he was elected Chairman of the Professional Game Board of the FA.
In November 2020, he was appointed interim Chairman of the FA, a position he held until January 2022, when the new independent Chair took office. Peter continued as an FA Board Member until the end of his term, in July 2023.
Also in January 2022, Peter was unanimously elected by the 20 Premier League Clubs as interim Chairman of the Premier League. He served until January 2023, when the new independent Chair took office.
He is Chairman of Premier League Stadium Fund, a Trustee of the Football Foundation (the UK's largest sporting charity), Chairman of The Football Foundation Trading Ltd and a Chairman of Sport Resolutions (UK). He is also an experienced Arbitrator and Mediator.
In July 2023, he was elected Chairman of the FA Challenge Cup Committee.
He advises businesses, organisations and individuals on Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Media and Entertainment, Regulatory and Disciplinary, Defamation and Reputation Management issues.
Peter is also a leading national figure in Charities Law. He advises charity clients on a local and regional basis and also national charities, including The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and The Outward Bound Trust. He is Chairman of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, Chairman of War Memorials Trust and a Trustee of the Helen Feather Memorial Trust and several other charities. He is a Vice President of the Future 50 Campaign for Harrogate International Festivals. The Festivals have celebrated their 50th anniversary and launched a £1 million campaign to secure the next 50 years. Other Vice Presidents include Lesley Garrett, Mark Billingham, Lee Child, the Earl of Harewood, Peter James, Mark Lawson, Julian Lloyd Webber and Val McDermid.
He was awarded the OBE for services to charity on 1 January 2000. He was awarded the Order of Mercy, in July 2016, by the League of Mercy Foundation, for outstanding voluntary service.
Peter was voted the inaugural Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year and Niche Practice Lawyer of the Year by the Yorkshire Law Societies. He has been ranked as a leading expert by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK, the leading independent guides to the profession, in Sport, Media and Entertainment, Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Defamation and Reputation Management, Professional Discipline, Charities, Agriculture and Estates and Contentious Trusts and Probate.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Head of the Criminal Law Team
Peter is Head of the Crime, Corporate Crime and Risk Department at McCormicks.
Peter is a Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate specialising in all aspects of Crime, Corporate Crime, Fraud and Regulatory work.
He appears regularly in the Magistrates Court and police stations to represent clients in respect of a full range of criminal and motoring offences.
He is frequently instructed to represent clients as a Higher Court Advocate at proceedings before the Crown Court, often being instructed to represent defendants charged with sexual offences, fraud and violent offences.
Peter has expertise in dealing with substantial and high profile cases, working closely with KCs and other Counsel. He has represented clients charged with serious fraud offences, including prosecutions by HMRC. He is often instructed to represent clients charged in relation to conspiracy to supply drugs cases. These cases involve careful consideration of thousands of pages of evidence, including detailed examination of phone and financial records.
Peter has successfully represented clients charged with serious and violent offences including murder and manslaughter as well as serious sexual offences, including historic sexual offences, where he has achieved successful results for clients by his detailed analysis of each case, including scrutinising prosecution material that is not relied upon, to successfully find evidence that supports his client's case.
Peter handled one of the leading Computer Misuse Act cases, which set the precedent for "ethical hacking" in this country.
Peter deals with a portfolio of Regulatory work including representing clients in disciplinary proceedings brought by professional bodies, such as solicitors, accountants, pharmacists, doctors, sporting bodies and individuals.
Peter deals with a variety of matters involving firearms and shotgun certificate law, often assisting those who have had their firearms or shotgun certificates revoked or suspended.
What People Say...
"I want to thank you again (and again) for your hard work, your support and, of course, the successful outcome of our case. Certainly the not guilty verdict was the high point of the whole experience, but I must also mention how your high level of competency, your confidence and frankness were appreciated by all. Whilst you were very careful not to raise our hopes to an unrealistic level, you did so in a manner that inspired confidence and allowed us to hope for the best throughout the proceedings." - Client Feedback Questionnaire
"This firm has been involved in some of the region's most significant criminal cases. It recently acted in a highly publicised kidnapping case involving a well-known Yorkshire Barrister. It also has expertise in white-collar crime and fraud matters, and its lawyers "guide clients and follow cases through from A to Z."" Chambers UK
"Peter Minnikin gave me all the support and help I needed and I appreciated the way he took the time to explain everything to me - it really did help a lot. You were very helpful before, during and after my interviews, explaining everything in so much detail, making everything clear to me, and the way you didn't rush me was also very much appreciated. The support you gave at the police station, I again, feel was top class, answering every question and taking the time to see me, giving me reassurance." - Client Feedback Questionnaire
"From the moment we first had contact with Peter Minnikin, he filled both my wife and I with confidence. He was realistic in his advice, robust and utterly professional and for the first time we felt we had someone who understood the situation and was firmly on our side. All in all, he has provided us with exceptional service and helped us through the most difficult of times, giving us the confidence not to give up but fight on...We cannot recommend his services highly enough" - Regulatory and Disciplinary client
"Peter McCormick leads the practice at McCormicks, which is well known for its work in the football world. The team also represents legal, accountancy, and pharmacy professionals in proceedings brought by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Senior associate Sara Morgan is a member of the National Pharmacy Association's legal panel and acted for pharmacy professionals facing allegations, including dispensing out of date drugs, breach of confidentiality, and delay in the delivery of drugs for a patient who subsequently died. McCormick holds a number of appointments, including as chairman of the legal advisory group to the Premier League and as a Director of the Football Association. Last year he continued to advise the Premier League in relation to proposals to revise the disciplinary aspects of FIFA's Agents Regulations. Peter Minnikin was promoted to partner in 2016." - Legal 500
"Peter Minnikin is the hardest working and most efficient criminal defence solicitor you could hope to meet, which is rare these days. He always does his absolute best for his clients, whilst giving them entirely realistic advice. He is streets ahead of other criminal solicitors. He always turns up to Court to support his clients through the process and ensures that they understand everything that is going on and what to expect. He is the solicitor I would want to instruct if I ever got into trouble with the Police." - Barrister at St Pauls Chambers
"Peter was matter of fact and very reassuring. He put me at east and capably gave context to my situation that made me feel at ease. Walking out of the police station after having Peter act as my duty solicitor made me feel like I had won the lottery." - Client Feedback Questionnaire
"When life throws you into a circus of trauma and stress, not of your own making, it is easy to panic. This happened to me. However, I had Peter Minnikin as my lawyer. Peter's expertise in the field of criminal law is outstanding. Peter was reassuring on a consistent basis which you need, as the lows can be very low at times. He had faith and belief in me which he fought for, and I truly felt defended by him, which matters so much. I cannot say enough good things about Peter. He is a true gentleman and a brilliant lawyer who goes above and beyond the call of duty." - Client Feedback Questionnaire
Reena Patel is our Accounts Assistant, working alongside Accounts Manager, Hayley Firth, to ensure the smooth running of the Accounts Department.
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Commercial Litigation Executive
Regan Seminaro is a Litigation Executive working in the Commercial Disputes Department at McCormicks. She assists David Birks, Partner and Head of the Commercial Disputes and Sports Litigation Team with all aspects of litigation work undertaken at McCormicks.
Regan graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in English with a Concentration in Professional Writing. Regan has been helping clients in the litigious sector in San Antonio, Texas since 2017. Regan worked as a Paralegal in complex commercial litigation concerning contractual provisions, breach of fiduciary duties and fraud for clients across many industries, including technology, real estate, construction, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and financial institutions. In 2020, Regan received her US Paralegal Certification.
Regan moved to England in 2022 and continues to build strong client relationships and ensures that the matters she deals with run as smoothly as possible for clients. Regan brings a unique international perspective to the litigious disputes. Her philosophy is to provide clients with not only excellent representation, but also the highest quality of professionalism and client care.
Sean is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority and an Associate Professor with the University of Law, Leeds where he is the module leader and course designer of the University's Advanced Criminal Practice and Criminal Litigation courses. Sean is a past member of the Law Society Higher Rights of Audience Exam Board and is presently a visiting lecturer to the University of Hong Kong, where he lectures the law of evidence and criminal procedure.
Sean is also an External Advisor to the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives for their Criminal and Advocacy Practice Rights as well as being an Associate with the College of Policing.
Sean is a Consultant Solicitor working in the Criminal Department.
Sean is a Consultant Solicitor working in the Criminal Department.
He appears regularly in the magistrates court and police stations, to represent clients in the full range of criminal and motoring offences.
He instructs and works closely with Counsel in Crown Court matters on a regular basis. He has represented clients charged with the most serious offences involving violence, historic sexual offences, sexual offences, serious fraud and dishonesty offences.
He is a former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the UK Airsoft Sites Governing Body and was involved in protracted negotiations with the Home Office in respect of the ‘airsoft defence' provisions of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. He also advises the UK Airsoft Retailers Association in relation to firearms law.
He is a former Dental Surgeon, who retrained as a lawyer following a car crash in his late 20's. He obtained a Master of Laws from Leeds University in 1996, completing the Legal Practice Course in 1997. He started as a Trainee Solicitor with Geoff Rogers in Harrogate in 1998. He was admitted as a Solicitor in July 2002. He left the firm in 2003 to pursue other interests but returned as a Consultant in late 2009.
Shah is a Solicitor working in the Crime and Fraud Department and deals with all aspects of Criminal Defence Law.
Shah previously worked at a firm in Leeds, where he worked as a Solicitor specialising in Crown Court cases, and obtained a wealth of experience preparing serious cases and working alongside many barristers who are now themselves Judges and King's Counsel.
Shah qualified as a Solicitor in 2012 and is also a fully accredited police station representative. He has been regularly attending police stations across Yorkshire and beyond dealing with every type of offence; from minor road traffic offences to more serious allegations of murder. He also represents clients at the Magistrates' Courts and is confident in his advocacy. He has worked closely with Counsel in the Crown Court when clients have been charged with the most serious crimes, including terrorism and murder.
Shah uses the wealth of experience gained over the last 10 years to defend his clients to a very high standard and prides himself on his exceptional client care.
Outside of work, Shah enjoys spending time with family and friends and likes playing board games which help develop logic and reasoning skills and also improve critical thinking.
Shah is a Solicitor working in the Criminal Department and deals with all aspects of Criminal Defence Law.
Sonia is our Practice Manager, having responsibility for management and human resources.
Since joining the firm in 2007 she has become first point of contact for many of the firm's clients.
Sonia is key to the firm's effective internal communications and also plays a part in external marketing initiatives, such as McCormicks events and the practice newsletter, the Briefing.
She also assists with the practice's charitable work, most notably the firm's flagship charity, the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation. She became a Trustee of the Foundation in 2012, having previously supported the charity as Secretary to the Trustees, and continues to fulfil both duties.
She deals with regulatory compliance as well as the organisation and marketing of events, such as the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards Gala Dinner every November.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
- Management
Sophie recently joined McCormicks as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice working primarily in the commercial property department. She assists Claire Baker-Kemp, Janice Colley and Katy Maskell-Edwards with all aspects of the transactional property work undertaken at McCormicks.
Sophie graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2020 with a first-class dual honors degree in Law and Criminology. Shortly after graduating, Sophie joined a private practice as a paralegal, assisting with the daily management of both contentious and non-contentious commercial matters. More specifically, she gained experience assisting with commercial lease transactions for clients in the hospitality industry.
Whilst undertaking her qualifying work experience (training contract) at McCormicks, Sophie will be studying for her Solicitors Qualifying Examination and is due to qualify as a solicitor in August 2026.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Senior Associate
- Head of Family
- Specialist
Stephen is a specialist family lawyer and heads the McCormicks Family Department, ranked as one of the leading Family/Matrimonial practices in the Region by the leading independent Guides to the profession, the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.
Stephen joined the firm after seven years as a Senior Solicitor in a large specialist Family Law Practice.
Stephen specialises in all aspects of Family work, with a focus on finance and children. He is equally specialist in resolving normal family breakdowns and those with complex elements such as trusts and international elements.
Stephen is very committed to client care and very interested in each case, no matter how large or small.
Stephen is a member of Resolution.
Stephen is the Treasurer of the Harrogate & District Law Society.
What People Say...
"McCormicks continues to advise high profile clients on a diverse range of complex family matters, frequently involving offshore jurisdictions." - Legal 500
"Its lawyers are widely considered to be ‘experienced and skillful; they are able to provide clients with sympathetic yet entirely realistic advice.'" - Chambers UK
"Both Stephen Hopwood and Carol Hancock have been very supportive over the last 16 months and have guided me carefully through this very long and at times gruelling process. Carol spent the day with me at the final Hearing and kept me calm and focused, which was a "mission" in itself as the stress is phenomenal during the Hearings." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"I can only admire Stephen's calm but methodical approach, reassuring me that all was well, especially when I was feeling a little " wobbly" about things. He is an absolute pleasure to work with and I always had confidence in his decisions. His support was fantastic throughout the build up to and during the Hearings." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"I would just like to say a really big thank you to Stephen and Carol. I found them really easy to talk to and understanding with my situation which I wasn't finding easy. They gave me the best advice and listened to me which is what I needed. Thank you - I would highly recommend." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"I just wanted to say thanks for the way you handled everything for me. I appreciate that you were efficient and minimised my costs wherever possible, but still provided a very valuable service." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"Thank you - all of Stephen and Carol's hard work is very much appreciated." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"The family law team at McCormicks is headed by senior associate Stephen Hopwood and regularly acts for high-net-worth individuals and their families on a range of matters concerning matrimonial finance and children law. Recent work includes acting for the vulnerable wife of a high-profile entrepreneur in a settlement involving substantial business and other assets, and acting in high-value divorce and ancillary relief proceedings involving farming assets and assets held in trust. In an illustration of the firm's track record in children law matters, for which Carol Hancock is highly regarded, it recently acted for a father in Children Act proceedings in which the firm succeeded in obtaining a Child Arrangements Order enabling the children to live with their father." - Legal 500
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your assistance. Your wise counsel and calmness throughout made the process that much more bearable and the outcome cause for celebration." - Family/Matrimonial Client
"McCormicks fields specialists in finance, domestic abuse and children law matters, and prides itself on the early settlement of cases by its effective negotiators. Newly promoted partner and group head Stephen Hopwood is highly regarded in the region and associate Carol Hancock is an expert in children and domestic abuse cases." - Legal 500
Victoria is a highly regarded Private Client Executive with over 20 years' experience in the profession.
Victoria assists our Head of Private Client, Elaine Lightfoot, dealing with Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. She also assists with the administration of Estates and Probate work.
Victoria's career has focussed relevant and transferrable skills within different fields of the private legal sector with the sound ability to interact and attend to the needs of clients of varied age, ethnicity, cultural difference and corporate standing. She is a well rounded communicator with an extensive understanding of what it takes to deliver client satisfaction.
What People Say about Us...
"This full service firm has a growing presence in the region for its estate work. Clients say ‘A small enough unit that it provides a really personal service, which is not dissipated as it goes down the line.'" - Chambers UK - Agriculture and Rural Affairs
"Providing ‘a good service and appropriate guidance and advice.'" - UK Legal 500 - Charities
"This Harrogate-based firm advises clients on the full spectrum of charities law, including tax, brand management, property, employment and the establishment of new charities. Clients say: ‘They respond quickly and always explain things in an easy-to-understand language.'" - Chambers UK - Charities
"Clients are fulsome in their praise and appreciate that the firm understands the sector and takes the time to understand its clients: ‘They are always quick to respond to all forms of communication and give good and sound advice on all matters.'" - Chambers UK - Charities
"Peter McCormick leads McCormicks' growing portfolio of contentious work, for clients such as Strutt Family Trusts." - Legal 500
"McCormicks' ‘brilliant' practice has an emphasis on tax planning, and is led by Partner Elaine Lightfoot." - Legal 500
"McCormicks is particularly well regarded for providing assistance to executors, trustees and beneficiaries of sizeable family estates and trusts. Litigation head Philip Edmondson handles a variety of contentious probate matters, including TLATA claims and claims to overturn wills on the grounds of capacity and duress, and private client head Elaine Lightfoot regularly handles cases involving testamentary capacity, joint ownership issues and disputes between executors and trustees." - Legal 500