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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Highlighting the practice’s extensive expertise, the esteemed guide praises the ‘fantastic team’ which… ‘give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations.’

Reinforcing Jones Myers reputation regionally, nationally and internationally, the firm’s child abduction team is described as ‘a leader for all of Yorkshire.’

Powerful endorsements from clients include the following: “Both highly professional and genuinely empathetic, they provide clear advice along with patience and understanding. Throughout my case the team worked together creatively and with dedication to resolve the situation.”

The following family lawyers are singled out:   

Richard Peaker – Legal 500 Leading Partner

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, head of the Financial Remedies Department is widely acknowledged as a leading light in Financial Remedies work. An expert in complex financial disputes, Richard is regularly instructed in multi-jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and (often offshore) trust structures.

Kate Banerjee – Legal 500 Leading Partner

Head of the Children’s Department, the guide says Kate’s dedication to her clients, depth of knowledge and sensitivity in highly emotive cases is of the highest calibre. “Kate Banerjee brings extraordinary compassion and faith to her work and this, alongside her expertise and tenacity, has given me strength and courage when I’ve needed it the most.”

Partner Anthony Parrish –  Legal 500 Next Generation Partner

Legal 500 says: “Anthony is an excellent child abduction lawyer who regularly represents clients in 1980 Hague proceedings. His knowledge of the law in this area is second to none.”

Partner Elizabeth Bell and In House Barrister Andrew Fox  are Legal 500 Key Lawyers.

Elizabeth’s track record includes complicated, high value cases involving company structures and trusts.  She also represents clients whose assets may be overseas and where there may be jurisdiction issues. With over three decades experience, Andrew deals with all aspects of family life in courts ranging from the magistrates to the appellate courts in England and the Channel Islands.

Also featured  is Partner and Practice Head Nicki Mitchell a highly experienced Mediator and collaborative Family Lawyer. Legal 500 says: “Despite being very collaborative and resolution focused, Nicki Mitchell is an experienced litigator and will run a case with a high level of expertise, good sense, pragmatism and attention to detail. Her advice is always sound, and clients always feel well cared for.”

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “Jones Myers is immensely proud to have achieved a top Legal 500 position for over three decades, reflecting how we consistently deliver excellence in family law.

Our latest ranking demonstrates the depth and breadth of expertise of our outstanding family lawyers across Leeds, Harrogate and York. Enormous thanks to our committed and talented teams who work tirelessly for our valued clients.”  

For queries on divorce or family law, call us 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). 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 2025.

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The outstanding level of service delivered to clients, coupled with a high level of teamwork, have secured Jones Myers a place in the finals of a major family law award.

The practice has been shortlisted in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category, which covers the North of England, in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Judges also based their decision on how clients rated the firm, how Jones Myers gives back to its local communities, along with the training and career progression of employees.

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers In-house Barrister and Director, said: “As a firm we are proud of our reputation in attracting the best lawyers in our field. Being a finalist in these prestigious awards is testimony to our top teamwork and commitment to consistently deliver excellence to our valued clients. We warmly congratulate all the firm’s shortlisted.”    

Jones Myers has been honoured to clinch the Family Law Firm of the Year, Regional title on two previous occasions. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 19.

This year the practice has also been Highly Commended for Outstanding Client Care in The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025 ,which re-enforced how exceptional client care lies at the very heart of the firm’s ethos.

The Highly Commended accolade also acknowledged Jones Myers’ innovation in improving  and maintaining client care, and how the firm embraces digital technologies and exceeds customer expectations.

The practice’s tireless dedication to it its clients at home and overseas is also reflected in its standing in the top five per cent of UK law practices which deliver family law services.

The ranking by Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site, highlights how Jones Myers outperforms its peers nationwide, awarding the practice a consistent ‘Excellent’ rating.

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 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 2025

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Knockout success: Madeleine Bolton is pictured far right in the front row

Jones Myers has helped a grassroots football team of ten and eleven-year-old girls to compete in a major international tournament.

Thanks to sponsorship from companies including our niche family law firm, The Lionesses and Leopards teams from Pannal Ash football club proved a roaring success against competitors from across Europe in the Barcelona Girls Cup.

The respected, high-quality annual tournament for eleven-to sixteen-year-old girls is approved by the Catalan Football Federation (FFF) and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The Lionesses, who smashed their league after competing in five matches, included Madeleine Bolton, the daughter of Jones Myers Solicitor, Jane Bolton, whose passion for playing football kicked off at two years old.

Says Jane: “The atmosphere was electric with sixteen teams taking part across four leagues, and the same being duplicated for multiple age groups.”

In a double celebration another Pannal Ash team, The Leopards, also won their league.

Adds Jane: “It was an incredibly formative experience for the girls, some of whom had travelled to Europe for the first time. As a result of much-needed backing from Jones Myers and other supporters, Madeleine and her teammates fulfilled their dream as a winning team in this prestigious tournament.”   

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers Barrister and Director, says: “Jones Myers is delighted to have contributed towards giving these committed young players a memorable experience and wishes all the teams at Pannal Ash continued success.

The Lionesses’ recent historic EUFA victory reflects the enormous momentum and respect that women’s football has gained along with the importance of grass roots football being available to talented young players like Madeleine and her teammates.”

Our firm’s commitment to supporting the next generation also includes presenting a special annual award called The Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales. The accolade has been given to a Law Faculty student at Leeds Beckett University since 2020.

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers, which has its own in-house counsel, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK 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 in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Jones Myers niche family law firm is helping disabled Art Makers to fulfil their potential by supporting a seasonal ’12 Days Of Giving Appeal’ organised by Henshaws charity.

The firm’s participation is part of its long-standing partnership with the charity which enhances the quality of life for 4,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities.

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre enables 150 disabled Art Makers to unleash their creativity through twelve wide-ranging workshops which include woodwork, pottery, mosaics jewellery and multi-sensory.

Flora Simpson, Henshaws Fundraising Development Manager, said: “It’s tremendous to have Jones Myers on board for our festive appeal. We need £1,000 each week to run, heat and equip the workshops with materials to enable our Art Makers to harness their talents to change their lives.

“The workshops are also invaluable for helping Art Makers to gain some control over how society reacts to and perceives their disability, breaking down barriers and creating life-long friendships. We really appreciate the backing of Jones Myers and fellow businesses to continue this vital support.”

Jones Myers long-standing commitment to give back to its local communities includes supporting various initiatives to help Henshaws service users achieve a fulfilling life.

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers Barrister and Director, said: “We have seen at first hand Henshaws inspirational work with its talented and committed Art Makers. The charity’s incredible support for its service users, which include those with profound and multiple learning and physical difficulties, reflects our firm’s values and ethos.

“Henshaws relies heavily on fundraising donations and gifts-in kind and we are pleased to help the charity achieve its goals.”

To find out more about Henshaws ’12 Days Of Giving Appeal’ visit https://henshaws.enthuse.com/cf/henshaws12daysofgiving also 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 almost three decades.

For information on any aspect of family law, call us at 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 eighth among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024.

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Enormous congratulations to Charlotte Robinson, the recipient of this year’s Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales to a Leeds Law School student.

Charlotte is delighted with the accolade which, she said, has further bolstered her ambitions for a career in the legal profession.

Said Charlotte: “This prize is a symbol of very much appreciated acknowledgement, for years of hard work dedicated to the field of law, and of huge encouragement, to continue embarking upon a career imbued with legal passion. Thank you to everyone at Jones Myers, I am incredibly grateful for this honour.”

Dr Rachel Dunn, Course Director of Pro Bono and Employability at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Charlotte’s special performance prize is extremely well deserved and we wish her every future success in her ambitions and aspirations.

“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 Partner, and Director added: “Jones Myers is proud to champion lifelong learning and to acknowledge the achievements of those who go above and beyond. Enormous congratulations to Charlotte at this formative period as we wish her every success and happiness.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers has achieved top rankings in legal guides for almost three decades.

The multi-award winning practice has recently scooped a prestigious national accolade for Outstanding Client Care in The Modern Law Private Client Awards which celebrate firms working in the private client industry.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call us at 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 among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024

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Jones Myers is extremely proud to again be included in eprivateclient top family law firms 2023 which recognises the best private client law practices in our field.

Our inclusion is based on an annual survey conducted by eprivateclient – a division of PAM Insight which provides specialist news, analysis and comparative data for international wealth management.

Jones Myers Partner and in-house counsel, Andrew Fox, said: “Consistently delivering excellence in family law though bespoke solutions in relationship breakdown lies at the heart of everything we do.  

“Our continued inclusion among eprivateclient’s premier family law firms acknowledges our standing on a national level. It also reflects the extensive expertise of our specialist family lawyers. Well done to our talented teams across Leeds, York, and Harrogate.”

The news coincides with a recent series of milestones which include moving our headquarters to contemporary new offices in Leeds city centre and retaining our Top Tier rankings in the esteemed Chambers and Legal 500 UK guides for almost three decades.   

Chambers 2024 edition applauds our firm as: “a dedicated family team in Leeds that is noted for its ability to handle complicated children’s cases, including matters concerning abuse, abduction and exploitation”.

Highlighting our expertise in financial remedy proceedings and cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes, it includes testimonials from clients who praise our knowledge and support as ‘exceptional’.  

Legal 500 commends us as going from strength to strength, highlighting how our expansion to offices in Harrogate and York: ‘ensures that their dedicated brand of family legal advice is available to more of the general public.’

Among the first family law firms of our kind to be founded in Leeds in 1992, our award-winning family lawyers are also again included in this year’s edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom based on peer recommendations. 

For queries on divorce or any aspect of children or family law, call us at 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 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023      

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We’re celebrating being Best in Class!

We have done it again – retained our Top Tier ranking in the 2024 edition of Legal 500.  

Based on client interviews and testimonials, the guide acknowledges and re-enforces our extensive expertise and outstanding client care:

’The Jones Myers Partnership goes from strength to strength with its brand of smooth professionalism supporting a caring, empathetic attitude to all its client base.

‘The opening of recent branch offices around North Yorkshire ensures that their dedicated brand of family legal advice is available to more of the general public.’

Staying in the top spot for almost three decades, we are still the only family law practice with a York office.  

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads our Financial Remedies team is a Legal 500 Leading Individual who is ‘Very highly regarded locally. A calm and effective opponent.’

Partner Kate Banerjee, also a Leading Individual, has: ‘knowledge second to none, having been practising in this area for around 30 years. Her sensitive but firm approach is invaluable when dealing with the issues that she does, recognising the importance of family life.’

Jones Myers Children’s Team, headed by Kate, is singled out for its ‘breadth and depth of knowledge unrivalled in their area’. Partner Anthony Parrish, a Next Generation Partner, is mentioned for his particular strength regarding child abduction.

Partner Nicki Mitchell who heads the Financial Remedies team at our York office is described as ‘exceptional’ as well as ‘dedicated, fair, and a very safe pair of hands for complex disputes. Always has an impressive grasp of the detail.’

Here’s what our clients say:

‘Good knowledge of the law in our specific area of practice. Clear jargon free advice and explanations. Experienced and enthusiastic practitioners.’

‘Jones Myers are a friendly, approachable team who are professional while remaining personable. They have a number of very experienced practitioners in private and public family law, who always strive to get the best outcome for their clients.’

‘Laura Walsh is approachable and child focused, always remaining on top of each case to avoid drift. I am instructed by Laura Walsh on a number of matters, and she is supportive and always available to discuss the case, we work in a collaborative way to ensure the best outcome for the client.’

Said Richard Peaker: “Our track record for delivering excellence and attracting the best family lawyers in our field is reflected and acknowledged in our year-on-year Top Tier rankings. 

“We attribute our ongoing success to our talented and committed teams across the region. Enormous thanks to them for their invaluable contribution and to our valued clients for their powerful endorsement.”

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

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Jones Myers is proud to recognise tomorrow’s talent through wide-ranging initiatives which include supporting the achievements of law graduates at Leeds Beckett University.

In 2020 we launched the Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales to a Leeds Law School student – and have been impressed by the tenacity and  talent of the award’s recipients.  

This year is no exception, and we congratulate Polish born Urszula Cienin who came to England in 2006 and combined motherhood with studying and working part time. Her passion for the law developed while working with an in-house legal department.   

Said Urszula: “Studying for the LLM at Leeds Beckett University was an enriching and transformative experience. I was offered an immersive and fulfilling educational experience and provided the tools, resources, and support necessary to succeed academically and personally.

“Being awarded the Jones Myers special Prize is an immense source of pride for me, as it reflects years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the field of law. It is truly humbling to have my efforts acknowledged by this multi-award-winning family law firm.”

Dr Rachel Dunn, Course Director of Pro Bono and Employability at Leeds Beckett University, said:

“We are extremely proud of Urszula for winning the Jones Myers prize, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication throughout her studies. Leeds Law School continues to be very appreciative of the support from Jones Myers in sponsoring a prize and providing important opportunities for our students at Leeds Law School.”

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers Partner, and Director added: “Urszula’s story and achievements are truly inspirational and well deserved and we wish her every success in her future career.

“As a firm which is a long-standing champion of lifelong learning, Urszula’s dedication and determination chimes with our ethos of helping to develop today’s students on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s lawyers.”

Added Urszula: “A significant milestone in my educational journey, this academic award holds a special place of importance alongside my first award for Special Academic Achievements received during my Bachelor’s degree studies in 2012.

“My deepest gratitude goes to my lecturers, mentors and friends whose invaluable guidance, intellectual stimulation, and unwavering encouragement have played a significant role in shaping my academic success.”

Jones Myers wider collaboration with the Law School at Leeds Beckett University includes giving our time and skills to support the Law Faculty’s Professional Mentor Scheme and Law Clinics.   

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

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The latest Legal 500 rankings consolidates Jones Myers standing as ‘the leading matrimonial finance firm in Yorkshire, with outstanding individuals and unparalleled strength in depth.’

Sustaining our top tier listing for over two decades, we are still the only family law practice with a York office in the 2023 guide which covers Leeds, West Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire.  

Legal 500 praises our ‘first-rate reputation’, giving special mention to seven of our specialist family lawyers.  

Leading Individual and ‘outstanding matrimonial finance practitioner’ Richard Peaker, who is ‘well known for his attention to detail and depth of knowledge.’

Richard heads our Financial Remedies Team which handles complex, high-value divorce matters, often involving the division of property and business.

‘Richard Peaker has been for some time, and remains, the outstanding matrimonial finance practitioner in Yorkshire and the Northeast. His wealth of experience, commercial acumen and client care skills make him stand out head and shoulders above most of his competitors.’ (client testimonial).

Kate Banerjee, also a  Leading Individual and ‘standout children’s solicitor’  who leads Jones Myers  nationally and internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.   

‘Kate Banerjee is the standout children’s solicitor in the North of England. She provides advice on all manner of children’s work from international relocation cases to public law care cases. She has a vast knowledge of all practical and pragmatic steps to be taken for a client. She cares. She is empathic. She works hard to meet her clients’ needs. Inimitable in all of Yorkshire.’ (client testimonial).

The guide highlights how most of the Children’s Team are Children Panel members who often advocate for victims on cross-jurisdictional and highly complex matters.

Partner Nicki Mitchell, who heads our York team which has recently moved to bigger city centre  premises to accommodate growth, is praised by the guide as ‘a highly regarded mediator’. Nicki has further extended her expertise in this area by becoming an accredited Child-inclusive Mediator.  

Elizabeth Bell, whose financial disputes expertise covers offshore assets, company structures and trusts, is described as: ‘An exceptional practitioner whose excellent reputation in financial remedies is very well deserved.’

Partner Anthony Parrish, who works in our Children’s Department, is named by the guide as a Next Generation Lawyer who ‘is sought-after in child abduction’.

Legal 500 also singles out Senior Solicitor Julie Simpson, as a key lawyer. It says: ‘Julie Simpson in particular, shines. Her manner with young and vulnerable people is impressive – she has a calming confidence which gives her great authority in the eyes of the court. She is thorough and diligent.’

Our in-house counsel and partner, Andrew Fox, is also included as a key lawyer and commended for his extensive experience in offshore trust structures.

Says Richard Peaker: “We are extremely proud that our outstanding reputation for excellence has again been reaffirmed by this top tier ranking which reflects our extensive expertise in all areas of family law.

“Well done to all our teams across our offices in Leeds, Harrogate, and York for their ongoing commitment to our valued clients.”

For queries on divorce or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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