Walton & Co invests in new city centre office and apprentice hire

Leeds-based planning lawyers Walton & Co has expanded its team and moved into a new city centre office, marking a significant investment to support future growth and team collaboration.

After 17 years at its previous premises, the firm has relocated to Second Floor, 4 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR. The modern, 1,500 sq ft space was chosen to bring the entire team onto one floor, providing a more functional and collaborative working environment and capacity for future expansion.

The move keeps the firm in the heart of Leeds’ business district, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station, ensuring its continued presence in the city centre is ideal for clients and staff alike.

James Cook, Director at Walton & Co, said: “The investment we have made in the fit-out and related technology is a testament to our commitment to Leeds City Centre and ensuring our staff and clients have a seamless experience with us. This modern space will facilitate better team collaboration as we continue to grow.”

The office expansion is accompanied by key team growth, with the firm having increased its headcount from seven to nine over the past year, adding a Senior Associate and now a new legal Apprentice. Walton & Co’s team comprises three directors, three fee earners, one apprentice, and two support staff.

This growth reflects the strong, sustained demand the firm is seeing for its niche, specialist advice in planning and highways law. The firm’s team of planning law experts now exceeds the size and expertise of many national firms’ specialist planning practices. Walton & Co was once again ranked amongst the leading practices for Planning in Yorkshire in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for 2025.

Joining the team is Rukayya Kara (19), from Dewsbury, as the firm’s newest legal Apprentice. Rukayya, who recently completed her A Levels, will combine her practical experience with study at BPP University Law School. Rukayya’s appointment is a pivotal step in Walton & Co’s strategy to “grow its own” talent in a complex and niche area of law, following the success of its first apprentice hire 11 years ago who remains with the firm today.

Commenting on her appointment, Rukayya said: “Walton & Co’s strong reputation in the field of planning and highway law initially piqued my interest. As a boutique firm, I knew I would have the opportunity to learn directly from experts and obtain real hands-on experience in such a specialised field. I soon discovered after my initial interview that the team are not just renowned professionals within their field but also amiable and encouraging individuals who make learning and working truly enjoyable. My experience so far has really underlined that I made the best possible decision to begin my career here, with such a welcoming atmosphere and strong support system surrounding me.”

Despite policy shifts and market uncertainty, the complexity of the planning system means demand for specialist advice remains high. The firm continues to build a strong portfolio of new and existing clients nationwide and across all development sectors.

“The planning system continues to be complex to navigate, and that’s reflected in the number of new instructions we’re receiving,” added Cook. “Our investment in our new office and the recruitment of Rukayya marks the next step in the progression of the firm, and its ability to offer training within a niche practice.”

The office fit-out was handled by Design Tonic, with support from Adam Wilkinson of gunnercooke (lease advice), Sarah-Jayne Lishman and Miles Phoenix at DHP (agency), and Rabb IT (IT migration).

For specialist planning and highways advice, please visit https://walton-co.co.uk/expertise/.