New directors signal new era for leading East Yorkshire law firm

Photographed in front of The Deep are, from the left, Neil Waterhouse, Sarah Clubley, Jane Cousins and John Auld

A NEW leadership team has been announced at Williamsons Solicitors, reflecting steady growth and a collective aspiration to build on the firm’s success.

Two new directors have recently joined the board to commence the start of a significant restructuring process.

Operations Director Neil Waterhouse and Finance Director John Auld will join experienced solicitors Sarah Clubley, who has been an owner-director/partner since 2000 and Jane Cousins who has held her owner-director role since 2016.

Williamsons is well known throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire and has a reputation for the quality of its services which are provided by a 130-strong team working from the head office in Hull, and branches in Bridlington and Driffield.

Neil Waterhouse spent 30 years working in corporate banking, including at HSBC, RBS and Barclays. He was more recently vice principal of East Riding College. John Auld is a chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor. During his career, he has worked for RSM and Smailes Goldie, along with firms in the South East and Harrogate.

Neil said that his background made him well suited to the role at Williamsons. “As a senior business manager with the banks, I looked after numerous law firms, and while in the education sector, I focused on operational management.

“This has given me the experience to help Williamsons achieve further growth and develop key service areas. It is fantastic to have a new challenge with this well thought of and successful business.” he said.

John Auld said: “Turnover has increased year on year and there is a great opportunity for Williamsons to build on its excellent reputation. I am very much looking forward to making a positive impact.”

Sarah Clubley, who heads the family and childcare department, said: “We now have a core senior management team with a superb range of complementary skills. Both Neil and John bring niche experience to the firm which will help us move to the next level.”

Head of residential conveyancing, wills and probate Jane Cousins said: “The addition of Neil and John allows for a clearer division of responsibilities, while bringing specific areas of expertise to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Further directorship appointments are planned for the spring as part of a wider management restructure.

Williamsons Solicitors started in Hull 131 years ago, and has grown steadily through service development, expansion of its client base and acquisitions. It provides a range of essential services including crime, probate, conveyancing, family law, civil litigation, personal injury, clinical negligence and business property.