Welcome to Blacks Solicitors
We provide a wide range of legal services to commercial and private clients in Yorkshire, and across the UK, from our Head Office based in Leeds.
Our primary objective is the delivery of a first class service to all of our clients, whilst providing expert advice at realistic and competitive rates. To achieve this we take time to get to know and understand our clients, building long-term relationships to deliver the best results possible.
We are also committed to our unique ‘Four Hour Call Back Promise’, which means that our clients get the support that they need when they need it.
Please visit our blog here for updates on current and topical issues.
Chris Allen
Managing Partner
What our clients say
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We have worked with Blacks on numerous projects and have found them to be knowledgeable, professional, responsive and personable. The team has a fantastic understanding of the legalities involved in the planning system and are sensitive to the commercial pressures our clients face. They are also very effective – Blacks’ input has been crucial in us obtaining planning permission on a number of sites, and their ability to navigate through the legal complexities has been invaluable.
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The team work tirelessly to get the job done without cutting any corners. They understand the needs of clients and work to the deadlines provided. They add value at each step of the process and make things easy and transparent. The team are really engaged, responsive, and proud of what they do and always want to do a good job. Additionally, the quality of the more junior members of the team is first class which, with the vast knowledge of the partners, has made this team stand out. Nothing has been too much trouble for the team, and we are very grateful to work with such a great group of people.
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One thing that makes Paul Lancaster stand-out is that in dealing with family matters, the issues can become clouded with emotional and intransigent responses. Other lawyers can often make subjective comments not grounded in fact. Paul continually brings the cases back to the facts, he deals with the true facts of the case and removes the emotion.
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Blacks has very talented lawyers, who are very quick to cross-refer other practitioners in other teams to help with issues. It is comforting to know that their team is so collaborative and that you are going to get a holistic solution to your issues, even when they don’t all sit neatly in one department. They are also friendly, knowledgeable people with lovely offices that are centrally located in Leeds.
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This is a long-established Leeds firm that has a major presence in this area and offers multi-faceted legal services to a significant and loyal customer base who recognise the commitment and personal service they receive. In our opinion, they offer a high-quality, proactive service at very fair and competitive rates, with staff who take a dedicated attitude to customer satisfaction.
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I have worked with David Ward on a number of occasions. His knowledge of employment law is impeccable and he has always given me sound advice that has benefited the decisions I have then made. He knows when to move on a case and always explains the risks if any are involved. I have recommended David to family and friends who needed advice previously, as I fully trust his ability and expertise when dealing with employment law.
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James Cook and Katy McPhie are very focused and committed and understand the requirements of the client from many angles. With their past experience, they know how best to approach any issues with the Local Planning Authority through direct connections and a detailed understanding of the LPA processes.
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The solicitor I use is Emma Garfitt and this is the 9th transaction with Emma and more ongoing. Emma has always kept me updated and been very helpful and stands out from previous solicitors I have used over the 20 years of being in property. There has been challengers in the past with some cases when offers are due to expire because of delays on my side and Emma has always worked hard to push them over the line for me and this is greatly appreciated. I will always use her as my solicitor going forward as the service received from Emma has always been 5 star and she is a true credit to Blacks Solicitors.
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Annie Beaumont provided outstanding service in respect of advice and delivery of work in relation to creating multiple wills and trusts. Very knowledgeable, approachable and patient throughout the process. Followwing completion, seamless referral to another department at Blacks for linked work.
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As a practice, the welcoming approach, no-nonsense attitude, succinct and prompt responses and seemingly knowledgeable advice, paired with a rapid and accurate understanding of client needs, is impressive and comforting. A willingness to challenge and an ability to propose options ahead are unusual amongst similar practices.
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The dynamic approach shown by both Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar in particular makes the team stand out. Both are very approachable and are quick to use their knowledge, skill set, and experience of both the law in general and the law pertaining to their area of expertise to come up with solid ideas on complex issues. Both are very personable and are happy to continually analyse and review new legislation and case law and to apply it to current issues.
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We have used Blacks for the past 20 years, both personally and in business and have always had a professional, reliable service. When you need a solicitor, things tend to be very confusing for the average person but in my experience, Blacks have always explained things in a way that you can understand.
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What makes Blacks Solicitors unique are the people. The members of the Commercial Dispute department I have had the pleasure of working with have been on hand as and when needed; meeting tight deadlines and ensuring the client is fully appraised of any issues arising. As Counsel, I know that the team at Blacks Solicitors will pull together in times of pressure; and the client’s interests are at the forefront of everything they do.
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Nigel Hoyle is most definitely our ‘trusted business adviser’ – we value his service levels and legal expertise of course, but equally the fact that he is always happy to give his advice on commercial matters as well as legal matters – and has a pragmatic, commercial approach to all the transactions and other matters Blacks act for us on.
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There are two stand-out individuals I feel it is necessary to mention. I have had the pleasure of working with both Andrew Morgan and Darren Morgan as part of the legal team on a recent trial. It has been clear throughout my time working with them that the client feels entirely at ease with each of them – they are trusted and have a way of ensuring the client is fully re-assured, whilst retaining an understanding of the issues at hand. From Counsel’s perspective, both individuals have retained a heavy involvement in the litigation and it has been rewarding to work with both individuals as part of a strong legal team.
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I have instructed David Ward and his excellent team many times for my legal needs and all times Blacks Solicitors have not only been successful in terms of winning and settling my cases, but the level of care and compassion towards me and extra support to help me have been above and beyond.
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My work has mainly been with Nick Rhodes. He thinks about clients needs and discusses aspects where assistance is required outside his scope of knowledge eg personal tax. Will have initial conversation to brain storm and then liaise with his client to see whether they want to take forwards.
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Luke Patel is highly experienced in a range of disputes, often property-related. Darren Morgan brings a very calm air to matters, such that clients have great confidence in his unruffled manner. Yat Wong is particularly experienced in professional negligence matters. Aimee Hutchinson has a wide range of experience including in judicial review matters arising in a commercial context. A stand out associate is Andrew Morgan – very much up and coming.
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Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar are always available when needed, and really do go above and beyond to assist clients. I recommend them whenever I can because I find them so amazing to work with. Their knowledge and experience is fantastic, and I trust them implicitly. Every client I have referred has been delighted with their work.
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As soon as I met David Ward, I knew I was in good hands. He immediately assessed my situation and quickly proposed his solution as to how we could ensure a successful outcome. Throughout the negotiations, he kept me fully in the loop and instilled the utmost confidence that he would achieve our desired result.
What our clients say
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Awards and recognition
We are extremely proud to have won Law Firm of the Year: Medium at the Yorkshire Legal Awards in 2018 and to have been recognised as a Leading Firm by The Legal 500 UK 2023.
Read moreThe latest from our blog
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Are there ways to limit a drop in income following separation? Tuesday 19 March 2024 Read more
Seminars & training
Capability Hearing Workshop
This event is designed to give you a realistic taste of a workplace capability process, where the discussion could lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Discover Leeds on Foot: Exploring the City’s Residential Urban Renewal Projects
Embark on a guided tour through the heart of this evolving city for a first-hand look at a range of the residential urban renewal projects that have been re-shaping the face of Leeds since the late 20th century.