Foot Anstey conveyancing services partner Yanthé Richardson, former president of CILEX, has been appointed as a trustee of Spark21, the charity behind the Next 100 Years – an initiative dedicated to achieving equality for women in law.
At Foot Anstey, Richardson (pictured above) leads a team specialising in transactional new-build development conveyancing work. She is a member of the Home Buying and Selling Council, represented CILEX on the Land Registry Advisory Council and Digital Property Market Steering Group, and conveyancers on the New Homes Quality Board’s code review council.
As a Next 100 Years trustee, she will work towards accelerating change in the legal sector by encouraging collaboration across the profession, improving the visibility of women in law and supporting the women lawyers of the future.
Dana Denis-Smith OBE, CEO of Obelisk Support and founder of Next 100 Years, said: “Through her work at CILEX, Yanthé has been committed to advancing the representation of women in the legal profession, to increasing diversity and supporting women into leadership positions.
“Her experience will be a great asset to the charity as we continue to celebrate those trailblazers making a difference to the progress of women in law, highlighting role models past and present and campaigning for the changes to law firm culture that will enable women to thrive.”
Richardson said: “I am honoured to be appointed as a trustee of Spark21, a charity whose mission to support and champion women in law resonates strongly with my own experience building a career in the legal profession. I feel privileged to be working alongside Dana Denis‑Smith and Lady Neuberger and I look forward to contributing to the charity’s continued impact on the sector.”
The Next 100 Years annual Inspirational Women in Law Awards, recognising those who are excelling in their practice as well as actively breaking down barriers and championing equality across the profession, are currently open for entries.
Property management law firm Brady Solicitors (right) has secured investment from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, to support its next phase of growth.
The investment will support the firm’s growth strategy, which includes plans to continue investing in its people, services and technology enabled platform, alongside targeted acquisitions that broaden its reach and strengthen its specialist proposition.
Brady Solicitors provides specialist, tailored legal services to the property management industry, working with managing agents, resident management companies, leaseholders and freeholders across the UK.
The firm was founded by CEO Clare Brady in 2008 with the aim of creating a specialist law firm dedicated to the needs of the property management sector and now has a 50-strong team.
Brady said: “Partnering with LDC gives us the backing and strategic support to take the firm to the next stage. [LDC] understand our market, share our ambition and bring real experience of helping businesses like ours to scale.”
Simon Peacock, investment director at LDC, said: “Brady Solicitors has built a strong reputation as a trusted specialist adviser to the property management sector. Demand for its services is increasing as regulatory reform adds complexity across the market, and Clare and her team are well placed to support clients through that change. We are looking forward to supporting the firm’s ambitious plans for growth.”
BG Solicitors has partnered with stamp duty specialists Compass to provide specialist SDLT support across its residential and commercial property teams.
The partnership provides BG Solicitors with access to specialist SDLT expertise across a wide range of property matters, and gives clients access to dedicated SDLT specialists as part of the wider legal service.
Brad Whiteley, head of residential conveyancing at BG Solicitors, said: “SDLT is an increasingly important consideration in property transactions and it is vital that clients receive clear, accurate support.
“Our focus is always on delivering the best possible outcome and experience for our clients. Working with Compass allows us to offer access to specialist SDLT expertise whenever it is required, ensuring clients benefit from an additional layer of technical knowledge and reassurance throughout the transaction.”
Lidia Quinlan, director and head of sales at Compass, said: “BG Solicitors has an excellent reputation and a strong property team, so we are delighted to be working with them.
Birmingham and Solihull law firm Sydney Mitchell has retained its Lexcel accreditation, The Law Society’s recognised legal quality mark.
Awarded only to firms that demonstrate outstanding performance across client care, risk management, leadership, operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance, the accreditation provides clients with independent assurance of a firm’s quality and professionalism.
The firm also holds the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation – the recognised quality standard for SRA-regulated firms undertaking residential conveyancing.
Karen Moores, senior partner at Sydney Mitchell (pictured left), said: “Retaining our Lexcel accreditation is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment of every member of our team. It recognises the strong culture we have built around delivering exceptional legal advice and outstanding client service for both private and business clients.
“Lexcel, together with our CQS accreditation, demonstrates our continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance and best practice across every area of the firm.”
