We’re delighted to announce that our endearing business law specialist Byron has been promoted to Senior Solicitor, after three years with James Legal.
As well as proving his metal as a seriously good commercial lawyer, Byron is also among our most popular team members – a real people person who clients come back to again and again. Byron is a prime example of the ‘human’ approach James Legal offers. Unlike some legal firms that are seen as somewhat ‘unapproachable’ Byron, like all in the James Legal team, leads with his personality. He is Byron first and foremost, who just happens to be a solicitor, and not someone whose real personality is hiding behind a job title.
He joined us from another regional firm and, in true James Legal style, has embraced a multitude of opportunities to really hone his skills and experience on a number of major projects, as well as building his own, loyal client base.
Byron said: “I really don’t know where the time has gone. Since I joined James Legal, I’ve dealt with a number of £1million-plus commercial deals; amassed a book of business clients who I help with everything from supplier contracts to employee disputes, shareholder agreements and property transactions – not to mention becoming a dad for the first time! – it’s been an absolute whirlwind and I’ve loved every minute!”
Our recently-appointed Managing Director and solicitor, Simon Young, said Byron is another great example of how James Legal nurtures talent: “Here, we believe in giving our team members the reigns and letting them run with things, building their experience relatively early on in their careers compared to many other firms, all with the back-up and support of a highly competent team, of course.
“It means that our lawyers become quite literally the best in the business, and they’re rewarded accordingly. I’m incredibly proud of what Byron has achieved and his promotion is really well-deserved.”
Major learning curve
“When I arrived, I was relatively inexperienced, a bit of a freshman really,” continued Byron.
“One of the reasons I chose to move to James Legal, was its reputation as a firm that really helps you find your feet as a lawyer. Thanks to the support and encouragement of my colleagues here, I feel I’ve reached the next level of confidence in terms of running my own corporate and commercial transactions, and I can’t wait to embrace the next challenges and opportunities to come along.”
One of Byron’s most recent projects was handling the successful sale of the iconic Anchor House development, on Hull’s Anlaby Road, on behalf of major regional property investor Mike Clayton, founder of Westfield Homebuyers.
Having purchased Anchor House from a housing association five years ago, and carried out a major renovation to transform it into a high-quality rental complex for professionals working in the region, Mike enlisted James Legal’s help to handle its sale to a Chinese property investor earlier this year.
Comprising of 44 ensuite bedrooms, 17 studio rooms and 12 self-contained flats, as well as communal cooking facilities, outdoor garden and barbecuing area, gym and sauna – and valued at over £1million – it was a complex transaction which Byron helped to handle with utmost professionalism, in collaboration with our Senior Solicitor and commercial property specialist, Mike Stoney.
“That deal was a really great example of how we strive to turn things round in the most efficient and painless way possible for a client, and achieve the best outcome in line with their aspirations,” continued Byron. Our main aim is to provide an excellent service for clients, doing what is needed when it’s needed to help them get to where they need to be
“While it presented some challenges along the way, as such things always do, it was an absolute privilege hand-holding Mike along that journey, and helping him to problem-solve in order to ultimately achieve the result he was looking for.”
But, at the same time, Byron is keen to stress that every business, no matter how big or small, is equally important to him and the James Legal team. “You certainly get a particular buzz out of bringing the bigger projects to fruition, but I relish helping smaller businesses, too, handle their everyday legal needs,” he added.
“Whatever the task, for us it all comes down to providing a great service, with excellent communication, building the best, long-term relationships and getting to know the people we’re working for personally, in order to support them as people as well as business owners.
“It’s about working as trusted advisors and extensions to their own teams, to be able to help plan and ward off problems, rather than just parachuting in when they need to get a lawyer involved.
“That’s what I particularly love about this job.”
Key man in a growing team
And Byron is particularly excited to be a leading member of a vibrant and growing commercial team. James Legal has always specialised in business law, while serving the personal needs of businesspeople too – from family matters to property transactions, Wills and inheritance planning. And Byron’s promotion is an example of how we’re continuing to invest in building our capability and expertise.
Byron works alongside Senior Solicitor and business dispute resolution specialist, Rebecca Latus. The rest of the commercial law team comprises of MD Simon and fellow-director Kelly Bannister, who are experts in commercial litigation and property matters respectively; and Mike Stoney.
“James Legal is going from strength to strength,” concluded Simon, who the firm also helped to achieve his potential.
“Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recorded our busiest year ever in 2020, which also marked our tenth anniversary. We’ve grown tenfold since we were established by our Chief Executive Nick Miller in 2010. We opened a second office in Beverley just before the pandemic hit, and have ambitious plans to grow further over the next decade, always ensuring we stay true to our core ethos of bringing a fresh approach to law.
“This sees us being always people first and lawyers second, avoiding jargon, being transparent about our fees and always putting our clients’ best interests first.”
If you’re inspired by what you’ve read and think Byron and his colleagues could help your business, get in touch via (01482) 225566 or info@jameslegal.co.uk to arrange a free, no-obligation chat.
