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22 September 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Double hire marks launch of family team in Leeds

National professional services firm Knights has launched a dedicated family law team in its Leeds office with the appointment of senior associate Ella Dodgson and associate Rebecca Laffan. Their arrival marks the first time Knights has had a family law presence in Leeds, complementing its existing teams across the UK.

Ella joins from Ward Hadaway and specialises in complex financial settlements on divorce, including high-value and intricate asset division. She also advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Rebecca, previously at Harrowells Limited, brings expertise in securing tailored financial outcomes and handling private law children cases involving safeguarding concerns.

Both regularly act for entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals with inherited wealth. Having worked together at Harrowells in 2022, their move to Knights reunites them and builds on an already strong professional rapport. Ella said Knights’ ‘progressive and entrepreneurial approach’ and its ‘One Team ethos’ were key factors in their decision to join.

Lisa Shacklock, group client services director at Knights, said Ella and Rebecca ‘bring real strength and depth’ to the firm’s family offering and their appointment ‘signals our commitment to building a strong family presence in Leeds’.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Winckworth Sherwood—David Fendt

Restructuring and insolvency practice strengthened by partner hire

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

Gateley Legal—Billy Poulter & Shay Moore

North West residential development team welcomes partner and associate

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Burgess Mee—Victoria Sterritt

Family law boutique expands London team with legal director hire

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