Three new partners appointed at Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has further strengthened its senior team with the appointment of three new partners, including one in its York office.
Experienced commercial litigator Dean Hill has joined the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm as a partner in the dispute resolution team, based in York.
Dean joins as a lateral hire from Ramsdens Solicitors in Leeds, where he was also a partner. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in commercial disputes, risk management and litigation strategy, having held senior roles at several Yorkshire firms.
The Legal 500-recommended disputes specialist said he was looking forward to joining a firm with genuine momentum and playing a meaningful role in developing the team.
He said: “Wilkin Chapman Rollits has an excellent reputation across the region, and the combination of deep local relationships and the capability to handle complex, high value work aligns perfectly with the type of practice I’ve built over the past two decades.
“The firm also places real value on developing people, and I’m excited to mentor junior lawyers and help strengthen the next generation of disputes specialists.”
Dean’s appointment supports Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ continued investment in its York presence, which was boosted earlier this year with the appointment of Monika Bone as a partner in the wills, estates and tax planning team.
From left, Stephen Watson, Dean Hill and Katie Jacques, the three new partners at Yorkshire and Lincolnshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits.
Meanwhile, Stephen Watson and Katie Jacques have been promoted to partner in the firm’s Grimsby and Lincoln offices respectively.
A partner in the residential property team, Stephen studied law at the University of York, before completing his Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law, also in York.
Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 2016, when he first joined the firm (then known as Wilkin Chapman LLP). He later spent five years at another Lincolnshire firm before returning as a senior solicitor in 2023 and becoming a senior associate in 2024.
He advises clients on a wide range of residential property matters, including sales, purchases and remortgages of freehold and leasehold properties, with particular experience in new-build transactions.
Stephen said: “I am honoured to be promoted to partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits at this exciting time for the firm. I look forward to continuing to help our clients complete their residential property sales, purchases and remortgages.”
Katie, a partner in the real estate department, studied law at the University of Hull and also completed her LPC at York’s College of Law. She qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and joined the firm in 2019, becoming a senior associate in 2022.
Also part of the firm’s energy and renewables sector team, Katie advises clients on projects including solar, wind and battery storage developments.
She said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to partner. Since joining the firm, I have had the privilege to work alongside talented colleagues and advise on a wide range of clients on substantial real estate matters. As partner, I look forward to continuing to support our clients and help drive the firm’s growth.”
In addition to the three new partners, the firm has recently hired two senior associates, with Guy Platon joining the disputes and regulatory team in York and Andrew Petherbridge appointed to the recoveries team in Grimsby.
Wilkin Chapman Rollits has more than 530 partners and staff located across Grimsby, Hull, York, Lincoln, Louth and Beverley. For more information, visit wilkinchapmanrollits.co.uk