An experienced solicitor and business leader, Emma joined Ridley & Hall as a Director in 2017 and has played a central role in the firm’s growth, development and strategic direction.

During her leadership, Ridley & Hall has twice been named Small Law Firm of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, first in 2019 and again in 2026. The firm’s success in 2026 was particularly special, with Ridley & Hall also winning the award for Best ESG Campaign and Pro Bono Initiative. These achievements reflect the collective contribution of colleagues across the business, the firm’s commitment to its clients and communities, and its continued investment in its people.

Emma is particularly proud of the many awards and accolades achieved by individual colleagues and teams across Ridley & Hall, recognising the breadth of expertise, dedication and talent throughout the firm.

As Managing Director, Emma is responsible for helping to shape Ridley & Hall’s future, balancing commercial growth and innovation with a strong commitment to the firm’s people, clients and communities.

She believes that a successful law firm must be both a great place to work and a great place to be a client.

Central to her approach is the belief that engaged, supported and motivated colleagues are fundamental to delivering exceptional client service. Emma is passionate about creating an environment where people feel valued, have opportunities to develop and can contribute to the future direction of the business.

The firm’s values of Support, Respect and Growth underpin this approach, alongside a commitment to listening to colleagues, developing future leaders and building a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Emma’s ambition is to ensure that Ridley & Hall continues to grow as a successful, forward-thinking business without losing the personal approach, compassion and commitment to access to justice that have long been central to its identity.

Emma has a particular interest in the future of legal services and the opportunities presented by technology and innovation.

She is a member of the Advisory Board for LegalTech in Leeds and is an advocate for the responsible and practical adoption of technology within the legal profession.

Emma regularly contributes to discussions about legal innovation and speaks at national and international legal technology events, including Tech Talk and Legal Geek.

Her particular interest lies in how technology, including artificial intelligence, can support legal professionals, improve efficiency and enhance client service, while recognising that people, professional judgement and relationships remain at the heart of successful legal practice.

She is passionate about encouraging collaboration between law firms, technology providers and the wider business community to help shape the future of the profession.

Before moving into full-time business leadership, Emma spent more than 25 years specialising in family and matrimonial law, representing clients across England and Wales.

She developed particular expertise in complex financial matters arising from divorce, including cases involving businesses, pensions, maintenance and other challenging financial arrangements.

Emma began her legal career in Huddersfield before moving to Leeds, where she became Director of Family Legal Services at Simpson Millar LLP. During that time, she played a leading role in the development and expansion of the firm’s national family law services.

Her professional achievements have been recognised through a number of prestigious awards, including:

• Yorkshire Legal Awards, Managing Partner of the Year, 2020.
• Modern Law Awards, Lawyer of the Year, 2014.
• Finalist, Forward Ladies National Awards, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Yorkshire, North East and Scotland, 2018.

Emma is a Past President and current Director of Leeds Law Society and is Vice President of the Yorkshire Union of Law Societies.

She has also been a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Family Law and the Court of Protection and a Trustee of the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence.

Throughout her career, Emma has maintained a strong commitment to the legal profession, access to justice and the development of legal services.

Away from work, Emma is married and the proud mother of two grown-up sons.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, walking the dog in the Yorkshire countryside and relaxing with a good book.