Strategic hire for Leeds law firm powers growth
6th December, 2022
A leading Leeds-based law firm has made a key appointment to its commercial litigation team as it continues to grow strongly across the wider Yorkshire region.
Phil Edmondson joins as a managing associate in the commercial litigation team, bringing his wealth of experience and skills to the firm. In particular, he has developed a highly regarded specialism in sports litigation, which has seen him involved in a number of high-profile commercial sporting cases. These have involved matters relating to club and player disputes, reputational damage, disciplinary and regulatory matters and sponsorship contract management. Clients include England footballer Kalvin Phillips.
Phil will be based at the firm’s Wellington Place office and will work alongside executive partner Emma Digby and widely respected litigator Ian McCombie, across Ward Hadaway’s growing commercial litigation practice. He will also be responsible nationally for developing the firm’s legal services in sports litigation, strengthening the organisation’s offering in this area of law.
Emma Digby, executive partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, said: “Sports litigation is a challenging aspect of law to manage effectively. Phil possesses not only the drive, capability and experience to excel in this type of legal practice but also has the key personal qualities required to handle cases sensitively and successfully, being hugely empathetic and supportive. He is very well respected by those in the sporting arena for whom he has worked.
“His sports specialism brings a new dimension to the team which will further enable us to develop our fast growing, talented team. It’s very exciting to have him on board, he’s a great fit for the firm and we’re all looking forward to working with Phil.”
Ward Hadaway currently employs approximately 90 people in Leeds and over 450 employees nationally. It recently reported an 11% rise in firm-wide growth – with the Leeds office growing by almost a quarter (24%) in the last financial year. Phil joins with over 12 years of experience.
Speaking of Phil, Manchester City and England footballer Kalvin Phillips, said; “Phil has helped us and Leeds United for several years, with issues large and small. He is really passionate about his work and this shines through in how he cares for our interests and his strategic guidance. Phil just gets what is needed for players and clubs in the difficult world of football.”
Reflecting on his new role, Phil said: “Whilst Ward Hadaway’s reputation across the region speaks for itself, it is the respect and empathy they have for people – be that employees, clients, competitors or partners – that resonates so strongly with me.
“There is a clear enthusiasm amongst the team to develop its sports litigation expertise, building on Ward Hadaway’s existing credibility in this sector. I have also been impressed with their commitment to my own personal career development. As a firm, they support and invest in their people to ensure they not only fulfil their potential as individuals but get to develop their passions too. I have a huge interest in sports litigation and disciplinary matters and know Ward Hadaway will nurture that. This will reap benefits not just for me as a professional but for the firm and its clients too.”
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