Switalskis’ commercial property team has marked its next phase of growth with a trio of appointments, including that of experienced director Sally Christey.

John's primary focus is on growing the firm both organically by developing our own talent, and through acquisitions of other teams and businesses.
Switalskis Solicitors Ltd
19 Cheapside
Wakefield
WF1 2SD
As chief executive officer, John works alongside the other directors to drive the strategy and development of the business and naturally keeps a close eye on the company's financial performance. John strives to achieve excellence in all aspects of law firm management, continually evolving our business strategy to meet the changing demands of the legal marketplace.
John’s leadership is strongly people focused. His role is not client-facing, so his dedication to the firm’s clients is shown in the ways he ensures client-facing colleagues have the support they need to be able to focus on delivering excellent client care.
Prior to joining Switalskis in 2001, John specialised in advising law firms on their management and statutory accounts, tax and compliance with the Law Society rules. Since joining Switalskis he has guided the firm through several acquisitions, and the addition of new office locations and specialist legal departments. John’s most recent transactions are the acquisition of Atherton Godfrey (Doncaster’s largest law firm) and Pryers (a medical negligence and personal injury practice in York). Both firms are now fully integrated within the Switalskis brand.
“I’m proud to be front and centre of this fantastic firm, seeing it change and grow over the years to where we are now. This year we were named Large Law Firm of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards. This win really endorsed not only our size, but more importantly that we are a really good law firm and I take the view that there is no limit on what we can achieve at Switalskis, I’m driven to ensure the firm is continually moving forwards. The award is also not about the directors, it’s about the firm and all of the people in the firm.”


Switalskis’ commercial property team has marked its next phase of growth with a trio of appointments, including that of experienced director Sally Christey.
Switalskis has made a positive start to the year with the announcement of 11 firmwide promotions, acknowledging the expertise and hard work demonstrated throughout its legal and support departments.
Sarah Cookson, Director, Solicitor and Head of Residential Conveyancing at Switalskis, has been named Female Trailblazer of the Year at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2025. The recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, her commitment to innovation, and her influence across the legal sector.
On Thursday, 9th October 2025, Switalskis were recognised for its outstanding client service after winning a rare hat-trick of awards at this year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards.