Having studied, trained and worked in Leeds throughout his career, James is known in the region as a trusted employment and HR legal adviser to some of Yorkshire’s largest companies.
A specialist in complex change/restructuring projects, labor relations and union issues, sensitive investigations and TUPE matters, James’ clients include well-known brands in retail, luxury, hospitality and manufacturing, including FTSE 250 and AIM companies.
James will be joined (in early summer) by Managing Associate Gemma Woodhead. Gemma was previously an in-house employment lawyer at Warner Brothers and has spent 8 years supporting and assisting various companies in the entertainment group with managing their workforce across EMEA.
James and Gemma will be supported by Associate Breesha Loughran, who brings expertise in workplace investigations and employment litigation.
The new office marks the latest step in the growth of Lewis Silkin’s national presence, following the company’s launch and rapid growth last year in Manchester, and complementing its offices and regional hubs in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Belfast , Dublin and Hong Kong.
Together, the new hires strengthen Lewis Silkin’s position as one of the largest specialist employment law teams in the UK, with the team now led by 34 partners.
James Keogh, partner at Lewis Silkin, commented:
“I am thrilled to join Lewis Silkin and help build our new presence in Leeds. We will be part of the UK’s leading specialist staffing team, giving the company a strategically important base in Yorkshire and further strengthening its offering in the north of England.
It’s an exciting period of growth for Lewis Silkin and our new footprint means we’re perfectly placed to support our customers’ ever-changing needs. I look forward to our team in Leeds making a valuable contribution to the continued success of this fantastic company.”
Richard Miskella, Joint Managing Partner at Lewis Silkin added:
“I am delighted to welcome James, Gemma and Breesha to Lewis Silkin. James is a true rising star with a well-deserved reputation in the region and beyond for advising on complex employment issues at the highest level, for a range of both national and Yorkshire-based clients. The combined team brings both in-depth knowledge of the local market and broad expertise in our core and high-growth sectors.
Their appointment and the opening of our new office in Leeds – closely followed by Manchester – is an important step forward in building a strong and collaborative presence in the North that will work in tandem with Lewis Silkin’s other offices. We are constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are now able to provide local access to the highest quality teams and advice through our regional hubs – including in the North of England, one of the most dynamic and innovative economic regions in the UK.”
