Experienced solicitor James Urquhart-Burton is the latest lawyer to join Ridley and Hall. With specialist knowledge of the legal challenges faced by older people and their families, he joins as a partner in Rildey & Hall’s Huddersfield litigation team.

Previously, James spent over six years with Simpson Millar, latterly as a partner. During this time, he headed up a team which advised patients and their families about their eligibility for funding for long-term care, particularly NHS Continuing Healthcare. He brings experience of wills, probate and powers of attorney and, in his new role, he will be developing his expertise in contentious probate, inheritance disputes and financial abuse.

In addition, Ridley and Hall has promoted three lawyers to the position of associate: Samantha Hirst in litigation; Sarah Brown, a care team lawyer specialising in adoption; and Helen Webster in the private client team. In addition, Shelley Harper has joined as a solicitor in the family team, working across the firm’s offices in Leeds and South Elmsall.

Emma Pearmaine, managing director at Ridley and Hall, commented: “With our strong track record of supporting clients in private client and family matters, we were aware of an increased need for expert advice on issues affecting older people and their families. James is an ideal fit for us, strengthening our offering with his specialism in this growing area of law.

“We are also pleased to be continuing to expand and develop the team with the appointment of three new associates who are progressing their careers with us, as well as an additional solicitor joining the firm.”

James said: “Ridley and Hall has a reputation for offering an excellent service to the elderly, particularly in respect of wills, probate, powers of attorney and court of protection work, as well as contentious matters such as inheritance disputes and financial abuse. My background knowledge of the care industry and funding for care complements these services.

“Joining the firm is also a great opportunity for me to develop my knowledge of contentious work and also to assist generally in raising awareness of all of these issues with the public and the extensive services we can provide to elderly people and their families.”

With offices in Huddersfield, Leeds and Pontefract, Ridley and Hall has a 75-strong team.