Schofield Sweeney strengthens team with new appointments and promotions

Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has expanded its team through a series of promotions and senior appointments, broadening its service offering and strengthening its company culture.

The firm has recruited three new senior team members and promoted three employees in the business. The new hires include Dorrien Peters, who joins the firm from Knights as a Partner in Dispute Resolution and Clive Lawrence, a Consultant who specialises in intellectual property – a new service which is set to become an integral part of the firm’s offering.

In addition to the legal recruits, the firm has also appointed its first IT Director, Craig Barraclough, who will oversee all aspects of technology across the firm, including infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital innovation, to drive operational excellence and business growth.

Clive Lawrence said: “I’m delighted to join Schofield Sweeney as an intellectual property lawyer. The firm is well-known for combining a modern approach with traditional values. I’m looking forward to establishing intellectual property as a crucial service for the firm and working with clients across a range of industries.”

Previously recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Individual in Yorkshire and the Humber, Dorrien Peters has extensive experience successfully resolving domestic and international disputes for his clients. He specialises in manufacturing disputes, having previously qualified as an engineer and spent seven years in the aerospace engineering sector. In his new role, Dorrien is eager to build a team across Yorkshire that will be acknowledged as the ‘go-to’ group for complex commercial disputes to enhance the firm’s manufacturing expertise.

Alongside the senior recruits, three employees have been promoted. Jack Venable, who qualified as a Solicitor at the firm in 2021, has been promoted to an Associate in the Corporate team; Damian Kilroy will become a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team; and Sandeep Singh is promoted to Associate IT Manager.

Commenting on his recent promotion, Jack said: “I’m looking forward to taking on greater responsibility in transactions, supervising junior colleagues, and upholding the standards that have been set at Schofield Sweeney – both in the quality of our work and the enthusiasm we bring to it.”

Outside of work, Jack has been recognised for his active involvement in charitable initiatives, including fundraising over £42,000 for Dove House Hospice by taking part in Yorkshire’s ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’.

Graham Sweeney, Managing Director at Schofield Sweeney said: “It’s fantastic to welcome our new senior recruits and see our current employees progress into new roles. The new appointments and promotions demonstrate our commitment to providing excellent service for our clients who require expertise in complex fields. We are also proud to welcome our first IT Director to the business and look forward to seeing how technology will drive our organisational success.”

 

Image caption (above): L-R Craig Barraclough, Sandeep Singh, Damian Kilroy, Dorrien Peters, Clive Lawrence, Jack Venable, © Sam Toolsie 2026