As we reflect on the past year and look ahead with excitement to 2024, O’Donnell Solicitors can feel proud of its achievements and positive for the outlook ahead.
As the trend is continued growth across the various departments, of particular notability is that over the past year, our corporate team has delivered on more Corporate and Commercial transactions than in any previous year, with deal values breaking previous records. We have delivered on a large number of SME asset sales and purchases and eight substantial M&A deals, ending the year with a £5.5 Million share exit involving a leading national printing Company. Demand for our commercial and corporate law services has continued to increase. Our team’s expertise and dedication have allowed us to nurture as well as build strong relationships with existing and exciting new clients and contacts, resulting in continued success and growth.
As part of the firm’s Real Estate offering, the residential team remained busy throughout the turbulence of the interest rate and inflationary rises seen throughout the year and 2024 promises to be another busy year for the team, including the new build team. Despite the more challenging climate for residential property, our team remains busy going into 2024, continuing to provide expert, invaluable advice on property sales and purchases, refinance and mortgage work for both new and returning clients. Ending the year on a high, we recently announced the appointment of Jackie Mottershead as a team lead in the Residential Property Department.
Similarly, our dispute resolution team has enjoyed notable success. Led by Director Richard Dobson-Mason, the team has continued to assist the commercial and corporate team, including advising on complex litigation, some of which are set down for mediation in the early part of 2024. The team’s strategic and tenacious approach and meticulous attention to detail have gained notoriety and acclaim, including two new accreditations, Property Law Association and the Association of Contentious Trust & Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), which is a credit to the team and its recognised expertise in dealing with these types of matters and in securing positive outcomes for our clients.
Our Family department has enjoyed another successful year, consistently delivering exceptional results for their clients. 2023 saw yet another year of handling high net worth Divorce work, including financial proceedings as well as some complex private children cases, building on the department’s already revered success and led by Directors Anthony Jones (Head) and Gianna Lisiecki-Cunane. Another telling highlight was the increasing number of Barrister Chambers referrals to the team, which is in itself profound recognition for their reputation as leaders in their field.
The Private Client team headed by Director Jill Waddington has seen sustained growth through 2023, with Jill having a formidable reputation in Wills, Trusts and Probate work, including Court of Protection and Powers of Attorney work. Jill is a fully qualified member of Solicitors for the Elderly, a full member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society and has been recognised as a leading lawyer in the 2021 Legal 500. She is also a Dementia Friend. Her reputation precedes her for her unrivalled client care and depth of knowledge.
To end 2023 on a high note, the firm received a high Recommendation in the Saddleworth Illuminations competition with our classic Dickensian-themed décor. We have been invited to attend the Civic Hall in Uppermill on the 29th of January for the awards ceremony. Our approach to this local event amplifies the firm’s commitment to self-investment in our presentation, both in terms of the firm’s quality of working environment and brand presentation but also through our strive to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Looking to 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, O’Donnell Solicitors is planning to expand its corporate and litigation teams. As the demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking talented individuals who share our commitment to providing excellence and legal expertise to the firm’s expanding client base and to help nurture its already enviable client base.
We are looking for individuals with strong analytical skills, excellent client communication skills, and a passion for helping businesses succeed.
As we enter 2024, O’Donnell Solicitors is well-positioned for continued success and growth. As we expand our teams, we look forward to welcoming talented individuals who share our passion for delivering high-quality legal services.
We look forward with eager anticipation to the year ahead and to continued success and achievements for the firm.
