Family Solicitor Jonathan Leach Retires After Over 33 Years

A York, Wetherby & Malton firm of Solicitors says 'farewell' to one of its long-serving Solicitors after over 33 years with the firm.

Ware & Kay held a celebratory evening at Merchant Taylors Hall, Aldwalk, York in honor of retiring Family Solicitor, Jonathan Leach with family, friends, colleagues, clients and former clients on Wednesday 28th January. Jonathan has built up a long and distinguished reputation as one of the leading Family Lawyers in Yorkshire and was instrumental in setting up the Mediation Department for which he has a particular expertise.

Jonathan was educated at Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley and Liverpool University. Following several years of study and training in Leeds he moved to York in January 1982 which led to him becoming Managing Partner, before taking up the role of Consultant and Head of the Family Department and remained at Ware & Kay for the whole of his working career. Jonathan has many years' experience in all aspects of relationship breakdown including divorce, civil partnerships, children issues, claims for maintenance, property, pensions and savings. He believes that if at all possible, family issues particularly those relating to children should be dealt with without going to Court.  Jonathan also trained as a mediator by Resolution, the foremost family lawyer's organisation.

Jonathan also serves as a part-time Deputy District Judge (for York) and is Acting Senior Coroner and although it is with sadness that he leaves Ware & Kay he is looking forward to continuing his role as Judge and Coroner.  He is also a member of and an assessor for the Law Society Family Law Panel and Assistant Coroner for West Yorkshire Eastern District.

Jonathan said "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work at Ware & Kay. I have enjoyed a long and satisfying career and have made many friends amongst my clients, colleagues and local contacts, many of whom I have advised and worked with for a number of years. I am proud of what we have achieved and accomplished together. I believe that 2015 is the right time for me to retire.  The Directors have laid out a vision for the company that will guide Ware & Kay for many years to come and this gives me great confidence about Ware & Kay's future success.  Although I shall be retiring from Ware & Kay I shall continue as part-time Deputy District Judge and Acting Senior Coroner. I wish Ware & Kay every success in the future".

Peter Kay, senior director of Ware & Kay commented: "Jonathan has been a real asset, a powerful advocate for the solicitors' profession and has delivered an outstanding service to the firm. He has an enviable client following and in-depth level of expertise and he will be a tough act to follow. He has transformed the Family Department during his tenure and provided an influential voice in the firm and we wish him all the best for the future."

"We have recently appointed Robert Bellhouse to the Family Team to take forward Jonathan's case load. Having previous experience of both the private and public sectors, I am confident that local clients will be in safe hands following Jonathan's retirement from the firm."

Ware & Kay has a deep rooted history in the region merging with well-respected long established firm Sykes Lee & Brydson in 2013. The bedrock of its success is building lasting relationships with clients. With its commitment to quality and client care, the firm combines a traditional solicitor/client relationship with high quality specialist advice.