THE two highest ranking board members of one of Yorkshire’s largest law firms who between them lead the acquisition of a York-based practice are stepping down from the company.

Lupton Fawcett, which has a York office in Piccadilly as well as operations in Leeds and Sheffield, announced yesterday a new management team will be taking charge when managing director Richard Marshall and chairman Kevin Elmsley vacate their roles.

The pair will exit their posts in March next year, after which the new team will take the reins from April 1, 2018.

Nigel Broadbent, who is currently head of the firms Dispute Resolution department will take over the leadership of the firm as managing director, while James Richardson, who is head of the firm’s Business Recovery & Insolvency department, will take over as chairman.

Mr Emsley and Mr Marshall have been the core of the management team at Lupton Fawcett for more than 25 years, leading the firm to achieve “significant growth” in what they have described as being “the worse possible market” during the recession.

They attributed the success to a series of “well integrated mergers and acquisitions”, which included the takeover of York firm Dennison Till in December 2013, helping create a larger footprint covering West, South and North Yorkshire.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr Marshall said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as managing director of one of the UK’s largest regional law firms.

“Working closely with Kevin, my long term colleague and friend, we have witnessed some dramatic changes within the legal profession and helped to steer Lupton Fawcett through some choppy waters during the recession.

“I hope that colleagues and clients agree that we have progressed matters significantly and that the firm is in a very healthy position and performing well, as we prepare to hand over the reins to James and Nigel.

“The time is right for a fresh perspective and for a new team to guide Lupton Fawcett through the next ten years.

“To ensure a seamless transition, Kevin and I will be working closely with the two of them over the next 12 months, prior to Nigel taking over the responsibilities of running Lupton Fawcett and James becoming chairman.

“I look forward to an exciting final year as MD and to watching the firm drive forward to meet new opportunities and challenges under new leadership.”