Press Release

National law firm Shoosmiths has appointed dispute resolution and asset finance expert David Farnell to the firm’s new office in Leeds as a partner in the firms recoveries services group (RSG).

Joining from Addleshaw Goddard, David has over 20 years’ experience as a finance litigator and works with a number of the UK’s leading banks and financial institutions on all manner of disputes. Specialising in asset finance and banking disputes he has particular expertise in consumer credit, corporate recovery, enforcement of securities and fraud.

His strong technical skills will further enhance the service of the award-winning asset finance team, supporting the firm’s national ambition of becoming the leading asset finance practice in the UK.

David’s appointment to Shoosmiths comes during a strong period for the RSG team with record legal directory results achieving a clean sweep of tier 1 rankings in the latest Legal 500 across all of the regions. The team has also had a successful year for awards winning Legal Provider of the Year at the Motor Finance Awards, Car Finance Legal Team of the Year at the Credit Strategy Awards and Asset Finance Legal Team of the Year at the Leasing World Awards.

The continued expansion of the team follows the appointment of RSG partners Karen Savage and Paula Swain into the Southampton office earlier this year. Charged with setting up the Southampton RSG practice, they continue to grow and develop the numerous opportunities available.

Roger Potgieter, a partner in the asset finance team at Shoosmiths, commented: ‘We are pleased to welcome David into the asset finance team in Leeds as part of the strategic development of the team nationally. David brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in asset finance and banking litigation that will serve to grow key relationships nationally and in the Leeds market as well as supporting the asset finance team’s ambitions in the North of England.’
David added: ‘Shoosmiths’ RSG team has had a phenomenal year. I am thrilled to be joining such a successful and ambitious asset finance team. There are numerous opportunities in the North of England and I am excited to help Shoosmiths grow the RSG practice in this region.’

The opening of the Leeds office on 1 December is part of Shoosmiths’ strategy to take a larger share of the UK legal market and its expansion into Leeds is part of its plan to bring new people and clients into the firm. The firm recently recruited three partners for the new office, including office head, Paul Stokey, and announced the recruitment of two further partners.

Shoosmiths’ recoveries services group provides a complete range of debt recovery services utilising cutting edge technology and with specialists dealing with different debt types, all operating under a centralised management structure and within a national conduct risk and operating framework.