Jones Myers’ internationally renowned Children’s Department has further expanded with the appointment of Paralegal, Jessica Saville.  

Passionate about helping to make a difference to the outcome of client’s lives at a time when they most need it, Jessica is based across Jones Myers offices in Harrogate and York.   

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, said: “Jessica is highly committed to Jones Myers’ ethos to consistently deliver excellence in family law. She adds value to our highly experienced team, and we wish her every success in her career.”

Jessica said she was attracted to Jones Myers’ outstanding reputation as a leader in children law.

She commented: “Having previously worked with Jones Myers family lawyer, Laura Sargeant, I was drawn to the practice’s high-standing in its sector – and how it remains at the forefront of the most complex areas of children law.

“I love working with the team and learning from the vast experience of its family law specialists who always make time for me. I have an empathetic nature and enjoy interacting with our valued clients.”  

Covering every aspect of public and private children law, the extensive expertise of the 16-strong Children’s Department – supported by the firm’s in-house counsel – is believed to be unparalleled.

The practice is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters including Deprivation of a Child’s Liberty. It also consistently achieves a  high success rate in international child abduction across Hague and Non-Hague countries. 

The majority of children law experts are members of the Law Society Children Panel. The team’s expertise extends to membership of the Advanced Family Law Panel and the Child Abduction Panel.

Ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services, Jones Myers is consistently awarded a 5 star ‘Excellent’ by Review Solicitors based on client ratings. 

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, the firm has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Jones Myers commitment to develop and inspire the next generation has seen the firm recognise the exceptional performance of a Masters law student for the seventh consecutive year.

Farhan Khan, the 2026 recipient of the Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales at Leeds Beckett University, received the accolade at a special prize giving ceremony.

Farhan says he is truly honoured and deeply grateful to be selected for the distinguished recognition – a privilege he will always cherish.

He commented: “To me, this award represents far more than a certificate or a trophy. It is a recognition of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and the values that guide us in our personal and professional lives.

“While this honour is deeply meaningful to me, I believe its impact extends far beyond the individual recipient. It inspires family, friends, colleagues, fellow students, and the wider community to believe in their own potential, work with greater determination, and pursue excellence.”

Commented Sarah Barr-Young, head of Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate who presented Farhan with his prize: “Farhan is a true inspiration whose passion and commitment to consistently excel makes him a worthy recipient of this award.

“Our practice’s annual Masters honour chimes with our deep-rooted ethos to champion the next generation of lawyers and we all wish him lifelong success and happiness in his chosen career.”  

Extending his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Jones Myers and Leeds Law School, Farhan added: “The award is a wonderful example of how recognising achievement can create a lasting, positive impact.

“By celebrating the contributions of individuals, you encourage others to serve with integrity, compassion, and commitment. Initiatives such as this help build stronger communities, inspire future leaders, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our society and our nation.”

Dr Rachel Dunn, Head of Law (Postgraduate) at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Farhan’s special performance prize reflects his outstanding accomplishments, and we wish him every future success in his ambitions. 

“Since the Jones Myers award was launched in 2020, the University’s Law Faculty has enjoyed and valued our partnership with the firm and the dedication of its family lawyers to recognise and reward tomorrow’s talent.”

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers director and in-house barrister, added: “At Jones Myers we consistently strive to deliver excellence in everything we do and are immensely proud of the difference that our award makes to outstanding students like Farhan.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th in the 20 Best UK Family Law Blogs to Follow in 2026.

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Jones Myers highly experienced family lawyer, Sarah Barr-Young, has been appointed as a board member to help drive the vision and objectives of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID).

Sarah, who heads Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department in the firm’s Harrogate office, joins a voluntary Board of influential directors overseeing the delivery of BID’s plan to support, safeguard and improve the town centre for businesses, visitors and residents.

Born in Harrogate, Sarah has extensive expertise in family law matters including complex, high net worth financial disputes, business property portfolios, pensions on divorce and resolving disputes out of court through negotiation.

She said: “I am honoured to be instrumental in BID’s strategy to maximise the potential of Harrogate as a dynamic destination and empower local businesses to tackle local issues.

“My role at Jones Myers entails meeting and working with wide-ranging local companies and I’m looking forward to adding value to BID’s goals during the organisation’s second term.”

Over the past 12 months BID has clocked up a  raft of successful achievements. They include its rapid response Street Rangers further enhancing the town’s visual appearance, forging key partnerships with police, councils and voluntary organisations – and recruiting a Business Crime Officer.

Funding has also been secured for ongoing investment in tackling anti-social behaviour and a new IT system that tracks spend data across the BID area.

Jason Maxwell, CEO of Harrogate BID, commented: “We warmly welcome Sarah to Harrogate BID in a formative year as we further strengthen our role as a voice for town centre businesses and promote key regional events.

“Sarah’s extensive experience of working with local companies, coupled with her dedication  to our long-term strategic vision for the town centre, complement BID’s ethos and values. We look forward to Sarah’s contribution as we accelerate our vision throughout 2026 and beyond.”

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers director and in-house barrister, added: “As a long-standing Harrogate employer committed to local businesses and the community, Jones Myers is delighted to forge long-standing partnerships.

“It is tremendous that Sarah is joining the BID board and we wish Harrogate BID continued success as it continues to go from strength to strength.”   

To find out more about Harrogate BID, a not-for-profit organisation launched on January 1^st 2019, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/

For queries on divorce and family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

Sarah Barr-Young is pictured third from left back row with Jason Maxwell, CEO of Harrogate BID, fourth left from back row, and fellow board members     

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As leaders in our field, Jones Myers is passionate about promoting the need for improvements to the family justice system which always put children’s best interests first.

Jones Myers Family Lawyer, Laura Sargeant from our Children’s Team, has played a key role in helping to organise an informative family law conference covering vital issues to change current laws – and ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse receive help when they most need it.

Baroness Hale, the Supreme Court’s esteemed first female President who has been pivotal in ensuring children’s voices are heard and their rights protected, was among key speakers at the York and North Yorkshire Family Justice Board Conference.

Attendees also heard Claire Throssell MBE movingly share how her sons, aged 12 and 9, were murdered by their father in 2014, after a court gave him five hours of unsupervised weekly contact. Since joining forces with Women’s Aid in 2016, Claire has campaigned tirelessly for change.  

Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, then highlighted her office’s role in striving to making family courts a safer place for victims of domestic abuse.

Presenters also spanned local judges and representatives from Inspire North and ‘For Baby’s Sake,’ a charity helping families to break the cycles of domestic abuse. Members of the Family Justice Young People’s Board joined the conference remotely to share how their guide aims to keep children and young people at the centre of court proceedings.

Attendees included 120 local solicitors, members of the local judiciary, barristers, social workers, and representatives from local volunteer organisations including IDAS, Inspire North and Citizens Advice. The event was compered by Victoria Kilpatrick, a specialist in public and private law proceedings, from the main sponsor, Dere Street Barristers. 

Along with fellow committee members, Laura, who is Chair of the Training Sub-Committee for the North and North Yorkshire Family Justice Board and representative for the local public law solicitors, volunteered eight months of her time outside work to plan the annual forum.

Said Laura: “Thank you to them, our attendees and to everyone,  including Dere Street Barristers and mini sponsors National Legal Service, Jones Myers and Ramsdens, who helped to make the thought-provoking conference a great success.”

For queries on divorce and family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

Pictured left to right is Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Throssell MBE and Laura Sargeant  

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Niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is enhancing comfort and wellbeing for cancer patients with a vital Airglove unit which warms and raises veins in patients’ arms.  

Patients at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre in Harrogate will benefit from the air warming system which also reduces discomfort and stress for the nursing staff treating them.

Jones Myers has donated the device in memory of the firm’s late colleague, Neil Dring, a highly regarded, compassionate, and committed family lawyer who was a patient at the Centre.      

Sarah Barr-Young,  head of Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate who previously worked with Neil, said: “Neil was one in a million who cared enormously for his clients and his colleagues and inspired trust. He would be delighted to know that the Airglove air-warming machine will further improve the quality of treatment for cancer patients.” 

Part of the Harrogate and District Foundation NHS Trust, the facility diagnoses and treats wide-ranging cancers, offering a variety of care and complementary therapies.

Jackie Rowbottom, Macmillan Integrated Personalised Care Programme Lead (Harrogate and Rural District), is among the team who remember Neil with fondness.

Said Jackie: “I met Neil on the Unit while he was having treatment and, even under such difficult circumstances, he was an incredibly kind and nice man. I wish I could have known him better. We are so grateful for this very generous donation of the Airglove in his memory, thank you to everyone at Jones Myers”.

Laura Hodgkinson, a Sister on the chemotherapy unit, said the delivery of the machine is timely and extremely welcome: “We are thrilled to have the Airglove which can gently and safely warm someone’s arm and hand, making it easier to access their veins to give cancer treatments and other medications. This can save a lot of time for our staff, allows them to deliver the best level of care, and most importantly, makes the patient’s experience much easier and less stressful and uncomfortable.”

Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Jones Myers for their generous support in memory of their colleague, Neil Dring. It was a very generous way to honour their beloved colleague, and we sincerely appreciate the firm’s commitment to supporting our services. The Airglove unit will make a real difference to patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.”

For more information on services provided by Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, visit here

For queries on any aspect of  family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet 01904 @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th^h among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Picutred left to right : Sarah Barr-Young, Jackie Rowbottom, Laura Hodgkinson, Gemma Cook, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

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As a long-standing employer committed to developing its valued teams, Jones Myers is proud to sponsor the Best Employer category in The Stray Ferret Business Awards for fourth consecutive year.

In this category judges were looking for evidence of how entrants embrace a culture of high performance, how they hold their company values in high regard – and what systems they have in place to inspire their workforce to do their best.

The 2026 worthy winner is Appetite For Life which operates a host of hospitality venues – the Devonshire Tap House, the Tap, and SO! bars in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

Further expansion in 2024 saw the business launch The Mucky Duck opposite The Stray in Harrogate, on the site of the former Black Swan where former inns and coaching houses have operated since the 18^th century.

A big shout out also to the well-deserved finalists – The Crown Hotel, The Soundproofing Store, Visiting Angels and West Park Care – and their dedication to their staff.

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner who heads the Children’s Department, said: “Enormous congratulations to Appetite For Life. Supporting the Best Employer category chimes with our firm’s ethos to develop and nurture our teams and support the generation through wide-ranging initiatives.

“The awards are a perfect showcase for businesses who deliver excellence in customer care and who encourage and inspire their employees to achieve their potential and be the best that they can be. ”

Consistently attracting the best lawyers in its field, Jones Myers was recently named among the country’s best-performing legal practices for delivering Client Satisfaction by Legal 500.

The firm is also ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services by independent legal review site, Review Solicitors, receiving a  consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients and outperforming peers nationwide.  

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has achieved top tier ratings in key legal guides for over three decades.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Pictured from left are Clare Frisby, Look North, Kayleigh Thompson and Mike Berry, Appetite For Life, and Sarah Barr-Young, Jones Myers

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Legal 500 has further consolidated the reputation of niche family law firm Jones Myers by naming the practice among the country’s best-performing practices for delivering Client Satisfaction.  

The accolade is based on the firm’s Net Promoter Score – a key metric which measures client loyalty and satisfaction – and determines if clients would recommend the practice on a scale of zero to ten. The honour is also based on Jones Myers’ sector knowledge and its billing and efficiency processes.

Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Delivering excellence and client satisfaction in family law is the bedrock upon which our practice was founded over thirty years ago and it is wonderful that Legal 500 has named us among the country’s best-performing practices.

“Legal 500 also recognises our sector knowledge which is second to none and attributable to how we attract the best lawyers in our field. We sincerely thank our talented teams who work tirelessly to secure the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”  

Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500’s annual guides based on client testimonials, the 2026 edition describes the team as “Fantastic ….very personable. They give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations. They work collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the clients”   

Legal 500’s acknowledgement also reinforces the firm’s strong standing on Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site which ranks Jones Myers in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services. 

Awarded a consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients, the firm consistently outperforms its peers nationwide.  

Delivering every aspect of family law, Jones Myers specialists’ include an in-house barrister, a  mediator, and a specialist in collaborative family practice.  

As well as being an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes and offshore trusts, the firm’s Children’s Department is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters and international child abduction.

Described as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ by judges, Jones Myers clinched first place in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for two consecutive years. In 2024 the firm won the nationwide  Outstanding Client Care category in The Modern Law Private Client Awards and was Highly Commended in the same category in the 2025 awards.

Founded in 1992 as among the first specialist firms of its kind, the practice has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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Jones Myers family law solicitor Katie Jennings has successfully completed the key first stage of her training to become an accredited Family Law Mediator.

Katie, who is based at the niche family law firm’s York city centre office, has undergone training with the Family Mediators Association, completing her assignments in the evenings and weekends.

Her decision to become a Family Law Mediator has been influenced by seeing the positive outcomes that mediation has brought for Jones Myers’ clients.

Said Katie: “There is an increased awareness that the court system is under a lot of strain and cases are taking many months, if not years, to conclude, at a great financial and emotional cost.

“I was always aware of mediation as an important, non-confrontational option for divorcing and separating couples going through difficult situations. After seeing how beneficial and positive mediation can be to help resolve cases, I  wanted to develop my skills to help people move forward in a non-adversarial way.”

Jones Myers is an acknowledged leader in offering options to couples who want to deal with the consequences of their separation in a spirit of cooperation and put their children’s best interests first.

Partner, Nicki Mitchell, who heads Jones Myers’ York office, is a Family Law Mediator who  became York’s first Collaborative Family Lawyer in York in 2005. She said: “With even more divorcing and separating couples expected to choose non-confrontational processes to agree the arrangements following their divorce this year, we wish Katie every success in her journey to become a Family Law Mediator.

“Katie is a valued member of our team and her commitment to working in her spare time to achieve accreditation speaks volumes.”      

Over the coming months Katie will work with Nicki and other accredited mediators to develop her mediation skills and then take on her own cases. She will in due course submit a portfolio of her cases to the Family Mediation Council with a view to gaining accreditation.  

Added Katie: “The support I have received from Jones Myers has been invaluable, I couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging and enthusiastic firm. It is an honour to be able to develop my skills as a mediator with the support of Nicki, as she is highly regarded as an experienced mediator. ”

Founded in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England, Jones Myers has retained a top position in the Legal 500 and Chambers rankings for over three decades.

For queries on mediation or any aspect of divorce or family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01423 276104, (York) 01904 202550 Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 4^th in the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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Pictured left to right is Elizabeth Bell, Jacqueline Rowbotton and Sarah Barr-Young. 

Jones Myers is helping to enhance the quality of care for cancer patients at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre in Harrogate in memory of the firm’s late colleague, Neil Dring.  

A well-loved and highly-respected family lawyer who was passionate about achieving the best solutions for his clients, Neil is also fondly remembered by the team who treated him.

The Centre, part of the Harrogate and District Foundation NHS Trust, diagnoses and treats wide-ranging cancers, offering a variety of care and complementary therapies.  

Jones Myers Partner, Elizabeth Bell, and Sarah Barr-Young, who heads the firm’s Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate, were blown away by the team’s commitment to delivering outstanding patient care during a visit organised by Jacqueline Rowbotton, Macmillan Integrated Personalised Care Programme Lead (Harrogate District).

Said Liz: “Supporting the Centre aligns with our firm’s deep-rooted ethos of giving back to our local communities. We met some of the team, including nurses and a complementary treatment therapist, who all spoke fondly of Neil. Their heartfelt dedication to patients is inspirational and it was tremendous to hear how the treatments are complemented by holistic and therapeutic services”.

Jones Myers is contributing a much-needed new Airglove unit – an air-warming system designed to warm and raise veins in patients’ arms – to the Centre. 

Added Sarah:  “The medical team explained how some cancer patients’ veins are in ‘a poor stage’ and how the Airglove machine is invaluable in reducing discomfort and stress for both patients and the nursing staff. The timing of this new machine is vital for enhancing patients’ quality of care and Jones Myers is looking forward to a long-standing relationship with the Centre and its team.” 

Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Jones Myers for their generous support, which has enabled us to purchase an Airglove unit for patients receiving treatment at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre. This equipment will make a real difference to patient comfort and wellbeing, and we sincerely appreciate the firm’s commitment to supporting our services.”

For more information on services provided by Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, visit here

For queries on any aspect of  family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet 01904 @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 4th^h among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

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Our firm is delighted to have helped enhance the quality of life for disabled Artmakers by contributing presents for a festive fundraiser.

Support from Jones Myers has helped to raise £3,000 for Henshaws which supports people living with a range of disabilities to discover their talents, put them into practice – and realise their full potential.

The Christmas Fair, a fun-packed, colourful family event, went down a treat with stalls showcasing Artmakers’ creativity and handmade gifts. The presents purchased and wrapped by our Harrogate team were given out to excited children visiting  Santa and Mrs Claus special grotto. 

Flora Simpson, Henshaws Senior Philanthropy Manager, said: “Our Christmas Fair was an enormous success in every aspect with a wonderful festive atmosphere. Enormous thanks to Jones Myers, our fellow business partners, and our team for their fabulous contribution.

“As a charity, Henshaws relies heavily on fundraising donations and gifts-in kind to help us achieve our ambitious goals and we appreciate and value all the support we receive.”    

In recent years Jones Myers has been pleased to help Henshaws service users to achieve a fulfilling life with a variety of activities including volunteering, completing a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and supporting Henshaws Christmas Fairs and Beer Festivals.

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner and Head of the Children’s Department, said: “It is very uplifting to know that we are helping to fund materials so Artmakers can harness their talents in a community built around creativity, connection and inclusivity.

“We have seen the incredible results of their work over the years and never cease to be inspired by Henshaws inspirational support for its service users, including those with profound and multiple learning and physical difficulties.”

For more information on how individuals and companies can get involved with fundraising for Henshaws, visit this link Twitter @Henshaws Facebook/Henshaws.

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York city centre and Harrogate town centre has retained its top tier ranking in esteemed legal guides for over three decades.   

Committed to give back to our local communities, we work with a range of charity partners to help them to make a difference.

For information on any aspect of family law, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked fourth among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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