UK Top 50 law firm Birketts is proud to announce the appointment of two new Partners, further enhancing its expertise across both commercial dispute resolution and private client advisory services.
Sian Leonard has been appointed Partner in Birketts’ commercial dispute resolution team in Norwich.
She brings more than a decade of experience from specialist insolvency firm Isadore Goldman, where she advised on both contentious and non-contentious corporate and personal insolvency matters. Her practice includes acting for officeholders, directors, bankrupts, lenders, creditors, and other stakeholders, delivering commercially focused solutions to complex legal challenges.
Recognised for her technical excellence and client-first approach, Sian has been described as “a great role model for other women in the profession” who “is passionate about providing an excellent level of service and improving the insolvency industry”. She is ranked as a Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 and Band 2 in Chambers.
Sian actively contributes to the insolvency profession through her roles with R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals, and has advised on the redrafting of widely used insolvency forms following the implementation of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016.
Laurence Weeks, Head of Commercial Litigation and Partner in the dispute resolution team at Birketts, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sian to the team. Her reputation for excellence and collaborative approach make her a fantastic addition to our practice. Sian’s arrival strengthens our insolvency offering and enhances our ability to support clients with complex disputes and restructuring matters.”
Sian commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining Birketts at such an exciting time. The firm’s reputation for technical excellence and client service is second to none and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Birketts also welcomes Stephen Horscroft as Partner in its Southeast private client advisory team, based in Sevenoaks.
With more than 14 years’ experience advising individuals, trustees, attorneys, and executors, Stephen specialises in estate and succession planning, inheritance tax, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration. He also brings deep expertise in mental capacity law, including Court of Protection applications and care fee planning.
Stephen holds the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates (England & Wales) and is an active member of the STEP Mental Capacity Special Interest Group.
Louise Long, Partner in the private client advisory team at Birketts, commented: “Stephen’s technical expertise and client-focused approach will be a tremendous asset to our team. His arrival reflects our continued commitment to delivering specialist advice across our offices.”
Stephen added: “I’m delighted to join Birketts and be part of a team known for its excellence and integrity. I look forward to supporting clients throughout their personal and financial journeys.”
These appointments mark a significant step in Birketts’ strategic growth, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of specialist legal services across the UK.
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