Simon Meek takes the reins at Shoosmiths Leeds

National law firm Shoosmiths has appointed real estate partner Simon Meek as its new office head in Leeds as it continues to pursue its successful growth strategy in Yorkshire.

Simon joined Shoosmiths in 2017 to develop a new real estate practice which he has grown into 35-strong team, including nine partners and two directors.

He succeeds Matthew Howarth who has led the Leeds office through a significant period of growth and investment and will continue to lead the firm’s litigation practice across the north of England.

Since launching in the city in 2016 with just seven members of staff, Shoosmiths has developed a full service offering and grown to employ 81 people, based in one of the city’s landmark buildings, Platform. In 2018, the firm expanded into another floor of the building and introduced agile working across its workforce.

Simon Meek said: “Under Matthew’s leadership we’ve enjoyed fantastic growth in Leeds, gaining traction across a full spectrum of practice areas in a relatively short space of time. Our focus on agile working and ensuring our lawyers have the headspace to deliver exceptional work for clients means we’re continuing to attract the best legal talent in the market.

“It is undoubtedly a unique time to be taking over as office head, but one in which we are well resourced to continue to provide the responsive and considered advice that clients need perhaps now more than ever.”

Matthew Howarth added: “Agile working has long been a key strategy for the firm, which has enabled us to make the transition to remote working smoothly during the current public health crisis.

“Simon has already made a major contribution to the growth and reputation of Shoosmiths in the region and he’s an excellent choice to continue to drive our strategy of building a northern hub of legal expertise, working closely with our colleagues in Sheffield and Manchester.”

Key clients include Boots, Virgin Care, Morrisons and SIG plc. The office acted on the development of the recently opened Skelton Lake motorway service area on the M1.