last updated 22/04/08
Latest News
(April 2008) High profile recruitment for Leeds Criminal Law team
Switalski's Solicitors is pleased to welcome Jim Littlehales to our Criminal Law Department in Leeds.   A high profile Criminal Law practitioner in the city, and a Partner at his previous firm, Jim is a Higher Court Advocate, with a wide range of experience in Criminal Law matters, including dealing with Very High Cost Case work. Jim's recruitment should further enhance the growing reputation of our Criminal Law team in Leeds and we are delighted   to have him on board.
   

(April 2008) Switalski's Awarded new Contracts for Very High Cost Criminal Cases and Housing Law
We have great pleasure in announcing that the Legal Services Commission has awarded Switalski's two new contracts. We are now able to provide Housing Law services to legal aid clients and our new Housing Law department is becoming established in both our Wakefield and Leeds offices. Solicitors Katya Menhennet and new recruit Katie Groves are Housing Law specialists with a wealth of experience between them and are dealing with increasing numbers of clients with a wide range of housing issues, including disrepair, eviction and possession cases.

In addition, we have been awarded a Very High Cost Case (Band A) Criminal Law contract. This prestigious contract allows the firm to tender for high profile criminal legal aid cases and is demonstration of the confidence the Legal Services Commission has in our growing team of Criminal Law experts.

   

(February 2008) Mental Health Department expands into Leeds
Our award-winning Mental Health Law team is pleased to welcome Legal Clerk Rebecca Whiteford who will lead the department's expansion into our Leeds branch. Rebecca has practised Mental Health Law in the Leeds area for a number of years and is experienced in representing clients at review hearings. The addition of Rebecca, will allow Switalski's to offer our excellent support and advice to Mental Health clients across a much wider area. Head of the department, Partner Michael Kennedy, commented: "The growth of the Mental Health teams in both Wakefield and Bradford over the past few years has been significant and I am confident that the Leeds department will develop over the years to come".
   

(February 2008) Prison Law case verdict finds Secretary of State 'acted unlawfully'
In August 2007, we reported on the case of Brett James, the IPP (Indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection) Prisoner represented by Switalski's. In this case, it was found that the continuing detention of Mr James beyond his minimum tariff was unlawful as he had been denied access to rehabilitation courses necessary for him to be considered for parole. However, Mr James remained in custody pending an appeal brought by the Ministry for Justice. On Friday 1st February the appeal verdict was given and widely reported in the national media. It was found that the Secretary of State acted unlawfully in denying Mr James access to rehabilitation courses; however the court did not agree that Mr James should be released as a result of this, and he remains on a waiting list for a place in a 'first stage lifer' institution where he will be able to access the necessary courses to enable him to be considered for parole. Whilst this verdict is disappointing for Mr James, it has further prompted widespread public debate on the use of IPP sentences and the rights of prisoners. The senior judge in the case, Lord Phillips, offered a warning that if proper provision was not made for IPP prisoners to attend rehabilitation courses within a reasonable timescale, it could eventually become necessary to release individuals convicted of violent offences whose rehabilitation had not been properly assessed. Switalski's Erica Restall, who represents Mr James, was interviewed on BBC Radio 5Live's Drivetime show following the verdict where she echoed Mr James's disappointment at the verdict but agreed with commentators that the verdict did offer hope that the rights of IPP prisoners would be addressed as a priority, and also that the use of IPP sentences would be restricted for use in only the most serious cases. The case looks likely to continue receiving media attention as the Ministry for Justice is currently considering appealing the court's verdict. Click the links below to access reports on the verdict from external sites (links will open in a new window).

BBC News | Daily Telegraph

 
   
(December 2007) New recruit is Switalski's ninth accredited mental health law specialist
Paralegal Asif Khan recently became the ninth member of Switalski's Solicitors award-winning mental health law team to be granted membership of the Solictors' Regulation Authority (SRA) Mental Health Review Tribunal panel. The panel exists to promote the highest standards in specialist areas of law, providing people seeking legal representation with a recognisable quality mark. Members must demonstrate high levels of specialist knowledge and skill in the practice of mental health law, as well as commitment and sensitivity in representing clients before the Mental Health Review Tribunal. The newest member of the mental health law team, Asif had to undertake additional professional training, submit to a rigorous interview by senior panel members, and provide evidence of his experience of representing a range of clients. Though this was in addition to an already busy workload at Switalski's, Asif was not fazed by the hard work involved.
Expert legal advice can provide much-needed support to those coping with mental illness whilst attempting to negotiate complex legal situations. With one in four people in the UK affected by mental health problems at some time in their lives, and over 25,000 detentions under the Mental Health Act (1983) each year, firms like Switalski's are increasingly being called upon to provide a voice for mental health patients.  
   

(November 2007) Switalski's Highly Commended in Wakefield District Business Awards
At the recent Wakefield Business Awards ceremony, Switalski's Solicitors received a 'Highly Commended' award in the Business of the Year category - click here to see a photo of our Practice Directory, John Durkan, collecting the award at the ceremony. Our team fought off competition from over a hundred Wakefield companies considered by the judges. Switalski's is proud to be a part of the vibrant and growing Wakefield business community, and delighted that the star quality of our Wakefield team has been recognised in this commendation.

   
(October 2007) Switalski's a finalist in Wakefield District Business Awards
We are delighted to announce that we have been named as one of the four finalists in the Business of the Year 2007 category of the first Wakefield District Business Awards. The nomination recognises the hard work and dedication of our award-winning team, and the rising profile of Switalski's in the Wakefield area. The winner will be announced at an Awards dinner on 22nd November.
   
(October 2007) Switalski's expansion continues with takeover of Chadwick Lawrence Family Law Legal Aid practice
Four new Switalski's branches launch on 1st October 2007, following our Firm's much publicised takeover of large West Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence's Family Law Legal Aid practice. The takeover makes Switalski's one of the largest Legal Aid firms in the country outside London. The new branches in Dewsbury, Halifax, Huddersfield and Morley each already have experienced family law teams in place, but they will no doubt continue to grow as Switalski's continues to expand its Legal Aid practice throughout Yorkshire. To read a selection of news clippings on the Chadwick Lawrence deal, click here (link will open in a new window)
   
(September 2007) Switalski's Associate Erica Restall featured in The Times and the Gazette
Following the media attention attracted by her representation of Brett James in a high-profile prison law case reported on this page earlier this month, our Head of Public Law in Bradford, Erica Restall, has been featured as 'Lawyer of the Week' in the Times and 'Lawyer in the News' in the Law Society Gazette. Click here to read the features (link will open in a new window).
   
(August 2007) Prison law case highlights "government failings"
A case brought by Switalski's solicitor, Erica Restall, on behalf of Brett James, a prison inmate at HMP Doncaster, has highlighted what a high court judge has termed "government failings" in the development of prison sentences for violent offenders. Convicted for grievous bodily harm, James was serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP). Following completion of a minimum term of imprisonment, IPP prisoners must prove that they are no longer a threat to the public before they can be considered for parole. Our client had served his minimum sentence and his parole hearing was scheduled for September 2007; however, Doncaster prison has no facilities to enable inmates to follow a course which could prove they no longer pose any public danger. Erica Restall issued the following statement:
"The Problem for our client is that he is unlikely to satisfy the Parole Board when it meets in September to hear his application that he has met the criteria for release.   Brett James therefore faces the prospect of being detained indefinitely despite having served the punitive part of his sentence, as the result of factors which are entirely outside of his control and irrespective of his willingness to comply with what is required of him"

As a result of this argument, Mr Justice Collins found that James' continued imprisonment was unlawful and he should be freed. However, Mr James currently remains in prison, pending his appeal. Should the Court of Appeal agree with Mr Justice Collins, the impact of this case is potentially far-reaching as it may lead to the release of many violent offenders in similar situations. Mr Justice Collins has warned of the "truly disastrous" consequences for public safety which may arise from the government's failure to provide IPP prisoners with access to the necessary facilities to prepare for parole hearings. This important case has understandably captured the attention of the national press. To read this coverage, click on the following links (links will open in a new window):

Times Online - Guardian Unlimited - Telegraph.co.uk - The Independent - Yorkshire Post

 
   
(July 2007) Switalski's partner Michael Kennedy named Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in Mental Health category
In May, we reported on this page that Switalski's Partner, Michael Kennedy, had been nominated in the Mental Health category of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards. We are now delighted to confirm that Michael has been named the winner in this category. The award recognises Michael's outstanding contribution to the field, and all at Switalski's Solicitors are justifiably proud of his achievement. Michael's success has been reported in newspapers in West Yorkshire, and in the legal press. To see a selection of clippings, click here.
   
(May 2007) Switalski's Michael Kennedy nominated for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards
We are delighted to announce that Switalski's Partner and head of our Mental Health Law Department, Michael Kennedy, has been shortlisted in the Mental Health category of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2007. The panel of judges is chaired by Cherie Booth QC, and winners will be announced at a ceremony at Haberdashers Hall, 18 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9HQ on 28th June at 6.15pm.
   
(April 2007) Switalski's Stephanie Kemp named Young Solicitor of the Year
We are very pleased to announce that Stephanie Kemp of Switalski's Bradford Child Care Law team has been presented with the Young Solicitor of the Year Award at the Bradford Law Society Dinner on Friday 27th April 2007. The award reflects her commitment and high quality of work, as well as the positive impression she has made on those she works with both within the firm and outside it.
   
(April 2007) Success in passport battle for Switalski's youngest client
During August 2006, Switalski's Immigration & Asylum Law department took on the unusual case of UK-born toddler Dylan Jeffery, whose British nationality was in dispute (click here to read our earlier update on Dylan's story below). When the family could not afford to take Dylan's citizenship application any further, Switalski's stepped in to help with the application fee. We are delighted to announce that our legal team's confidence in Dylan's case has been repaid: Dylan's British citizenship has finally been granted by the Home Office. Dylan's family are overjoyed at the news. In the Wakefield Express recently (13/04/07), Dylan's Grandfather, Richard, commented, "I couldn't believe it when I saw the certificate. Now I am expecting a call to find out if Dylan will receive his passport". Hopefully it will not be long until Dylan and his family are able to finally make their journey to Tenerife to scatter the ashes of the woman Dylan called 'mummy'.
   
(March 2007) Prestigious new Bradford premises will facilitate further growth
After several highly successful years of growth and development, Switalski's Bradford team has outgrown it's Piccadilly office and has moved to new premises at 2a Darley Street. Whilst retaining a presence in the heart of Bradford city centre, this prestigious new base for the team will make possible the further development of legal services offered to Switalski's clients in Bradford. A report of the move appeared in Bradford's Telegraph & Argus on 15 March 2007, and will no doubt further raise the Firm's already high profile in the Bradford area.
   
(March 2007) Switalski's encourages new legal talent with Law Dissertation Award
Switalski's is pleased to announce its sponsorship of an academic prize for Best Law Dissertation, awarded as part of the recent Bradford School of Business and Law Awards. The prize was presented at a recent ceremony by Nazia Yaqub, a trainee solicitor working with the Mental Health Law Department in Switalski's Bradford office. Nazia, a trainee solicitor with an outstanding academic record, herself a former student of the School and BSBL award winner, has commented that awards like this one played a crucial part in her success by boosting her confidence, motivating her to gain a first class honours degree and progress to the LPC, as well as helping her secure her training contract with Switalski's. It is hoped that this year's winner of the Switalski's Prize, Jason Samuel, will benefit in a similar way.
To read more about the awards on the Bradford College Website, click here (link will open in a new window).
 
(January 2007) Switalski's Angela Galvin offers property law advice in the Daily Express
The Government's means test for funding of long-term care for the elderly has been a prominent issue in the news for some time. Recently, the Daily Express ran a feature on cases where adult children had purchased their parents' homes as future investment, only to lose them to the care funding means test when the properties were judged to be owned by their parents when long-term care became necessary. In this article, Switalski's head of Probate, Angela Galvin, comments on how this increasingly common difficulty can be avoided by ensuring that the transfer of ownership is legally binding. To read the article in full, click here
   
(January 2007) Switalski's steps in to fund toddler Dylan's citizenship application
The family of Dylan Jeffery contacted Switalski's Wakefield Immigration and Asylum Department after the toddler was refused a British passport because the identity and nationality of his estranged mother could not be proven. Despite having lived in Wakefield all his life with his father, Rory, and grandfather, Richard, both British citizens, Dylan could not legally claim British citizenship. Under British Law at the time of Dylan's birth, the nationality of children of unmarried parents was established as that of the mother. The refusal was heartbreaking for the Jefferys, who had planned to take Dylan to a dolphin sanctuary in Tenerife to scatter the ashes of Gillian Thackray, Rory's partner, who Dylan had known as 'mummy'. Switalski's legal team represented Dylan's case to the Home Office, and had hoped that the Home Secretary would use discretionary powers to grant Dylan's British citizenship. However, the Home Office advised the Jefferys that a formal application for citizenship must be submitted. The Jefferys could not afford the £200 fee for application: thankfully, Switalski's stepped in to foot the bill, and Dylan's application will now be processed. Dylan's grandfather, Richard was quoted in the Wakefield Express recently saying: "It's enough to make anyone cry. We've spent so much trying to get this sorted out and couldn't afford the £200, so we begged Switalski's to help us. It's great that they have agreed to do so." Switalski's Ben Davison has commented: "the fact we are happy to pay for the application shows we are confident it will succeed."
   
(January 2007) Higher Rights of Advocacy granted to Partner Louise Noblet and Associate Solicitor Lorna Davidson
we are pleased to confirm that Switalski's Partner Louise Noblet and Associate Solicitor Lorna Davidson, both of our Bradford Child Care Law Department, have been granted the right to appear before the higher courts in civil cases. Both Louise and Lorna have extensive experience of appearing in complex Care cases. Their advocacy skills and all round experience have been recognized in their obtaining this status. This brings to a total of four the number of advocates within the Firm with Higher Rights and allows Switalski's to expand even further into providing in-house advocacy for clients wherever appropriate.
   
(November 2006) Switalski's Partner Michael Kennedy named Secretary of Mental Health Lawyers Association
Michael Kennedy has been been made Secretary to the Mental Health Lawyers Association once again. Michael has been a member of the Committee of the Association for the past five years and has previously been Vice Chair. The renewal of his position was confirmed at the annual MHLA conference which took place in London in November 2006.
   
(October 2006) Switalski's collects award for Yorkshire Law Firm of the Year (1-30 Partners)
We are delighted to announce that we have won The Yorkshire Lawyer Firm of the Year Award 2006 in the category for firms with 1-30 partners. To win the award the firm had to beat off stiff competition from other legal practices based throughout the Yorkshire region including significantly larger firms from Sheffield and Leeds.
In choosing the finalists, the panel of judges considered the reputation of the firm, its commitment to client care (as demonstrated by positive feedback from clients) and dedication to the welfare and development of staff. Scoring highly across all of the criteria allowed us to win this prestigious award which is the latest in a series successes for the firm which include finalist for two consecutive years in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award as well as winning a place in Chambers Guide, which independently ranks and assesses law firms.
Click here to see a picture of the Partners collecting the award at the ceremony.
 
   
 
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