Yorkshire-based fraud, crime and regulatory practice ABR Solicitors has announced that it has undergone an MBO, led by senior partner Rob Rode.
The practice was originally part of Leeds law firm Clarion and became a separate division known as Clarion Advocates in February 2010. Building on its success as one of the leading criminal practices in the north, it saw rapid expansion, opening offices in Liverpool, Harrogate, Huddersfield and Keighley near Bradford. In 2012, it re-branded, changing its name from Clarion Advocates to ABR Solicitors, and the expanded practice currently has a total of 27 criminal lawyers across its five offices.
Headed by Rob Rode, who was responsible for establishing Clarion’s successful Leeds criminal practice based at Britannia Chambers, the MBO involves the senior management team comprising Tony Murphy, Susannah Proctor and Keith Allen. Funding has been provided by Nat West.
ABR Solicitors offers a full range of fraud crime and regulatory services, defending prosecutions and investigations of all kinds at any stage, and also advising businesses about regulatory compliance to avoid prosecutions.
Managing partner of Clarion, Mark Burns, said: Over the last three years, the criminal practice has gone from strength to strength under Rob’s strong leadership. Together, we have pursued a strategy of optimising its strong reputation in criminal law by establishing a network of offices throughout the north and the practice is now at a stage to operate as a successful, stand-alone business.
As one of the UK’s leaders in this niche area of law, it makes sense for the team at ABR Solicitors to concentrate on their particular expertise and focus on offering their services as a specialist practice while we continue to serve the needs of our own clients.
Senior partner of ABR Solicitors, Rob Rode added: “Thanks to the backing of a solid firm like Clarion, we have been able to build on our position as one of the top four practices nationwide, handling numerous high profile and complex cases all over the country. The firm’s support has allowed us to pursue an ambitious expansion programme and we are excited to be embarking on the next stage of ABR’s development as an independent business.”
ABR Solicitors has established a strong reputation and is regularly acknowledged in independent legal guides. In Chambers UK 2014 they are in the top tier: “Their market is now the whole of the North of England, and they are one of the best up there.” “They will go the extra mile for the client.” In Legal 500 the firm is also ranked in the top tier described as an ‘innovative and thriving firm’ with a focus on crime, serious fraud and regulatory matters. They are recognized for working “tirelessly for clients”.
