Ian Shuttleworth, one of the best known solicitors in Leeds, has joined the leading North Yorkshire legal firm, Raworths LLP as a partner. Ian joins the Harrogate-based firm from Gordons LLP, one of the foremost law firms in Leeds and Bradford where he has been a partner specialising in commercial property.
Ian is well-known in business and property circles for his work on some of the most high-profile property transactions of recent years including acquisitions for a leading supermarket chain, and for Johnston Press Plc, owners of the Yorkshire Post Group. Ian is also in demand as an after-dinner speaker and entertainer.
Originally from Keighley, Ian qualified as a solicitor in 1975 with Skipton firm, Charlesworth, Wood and Brown before being recruited by Bradford firm, Last Suddards where he became a partner at the age of 26. He was a key figure throughout their merger with AV Hammonds in 1988 to create what became Hammonds, now one of the 100 leading law firms in the world. Ian was the founding partner of Hammonds’ construction law department and has been involved in dealing with problems on many famous buildings in Yorkshire and throughout the UK. Ian lectured on architecture and the law for over 20 years at Sheffield and Leeds Metropolitan Universities.
After 21 years, Ian left Hammonds to join Nelson & Co and was instrumental in its merger with Gordons in 2004.
His second career as an after-dinner speaker grew from an early desire to entertain. He is now an established figure on the after-dinner speakers’ circuit. His high profile engagements have included addressing 1400 people in the Great Room at Grosvenor House, speaking in the Members’ Dining Room at the House of Commons and on a cruise ship in Cape Town Harbour. He has entertained at Leeds City Varieties and has appeared with Bernie Clifton, the Bachelors and Norman Collier. His spoon-playing is legendary and his credits include a live performance on BBC Radio.
In his spare time, Ian is a keen golfer; he was Club President at Ilkley Golf Club and is also a member at Ganton. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Freeman of the Company of City Solicitors.
Ian joins Raworths as partner and will play an important role in the commercial property team headed by Jo Thirsk.
Ian Shuttleworth says, ‘Throughout my career, I have enjoyed the challenge of developing businesses which have a strong foundation of expertise and moving them to a higher level. Raworths is a long-established and progressive business which I have known for a long time and I look forward to the new challenge of playing an active part in its further development.’
For further information contact Caroline Barr on 01423 340126 or Christopher Butterworth on 01423 566666.
