We have announced seven promotions in our Leeds office across our legal and consultancy services.

The moves are headlined by construction lawyer Samantha Fozzard who is promoted to legal director. Fozzard specialises in construction disputes, particularly complex high-value building safety disputes acting for housebuilders. Samantha also acts for a range of clients including developers, contractors, sub-contractors and property owners.

A quintet of solicitors have been promoted to associate: Cordelia Stephens (corporate), Niall Crossley (restructuring), John Gumery (tax), Abi Pawlett (employment) and James Colvin (construction). 

In addition, James Staniford made technical director for Gateley Hamer, the Group’s specialist property consultancy. James specialises in Compulsory Purchase Orders and telecoms infrastructure. He supports clients in reducing their risk and financial exposure and acts for a series of acquiring authorities providing advice in relation to both regeneration and infrastructure projects.

These promotions are part of 69 announced by Gateley across the UK and Dubai, including 11 made up to partner.

Roger McCourt, partner and head of Gateley’s Leeds office, said: “It is great to start our new financial year with a series of very well-deserved promotions. These new appointments are testament to the hard work and fantastic results that each of these individuals has delivered to our clients and we look forward to continuing to support them in this next step of their careers.”

Photo of promoted Gateley staff in Leeds
Pictured (L to R) : Cordelia Stephens, Samantha Fozzard, Roger McCourt (Leeds office head), Niall Crossley, Abi Pawlett, James Colvin and John Gumery