10 September 2024: Glaisyers ETL, the Manchester headquartered national law firm, has welcomed last Friday’s High Court judgment ruling that the businesswoman Paula Leeson, who died in a swimming pool in Denmark in 2017, was unlawfully killed by her husband Donald McPherson.
Following a trial at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre this April, Mr Justice Richard Smith delivered his judgment in the case of Leeson & Anor v McPherson on 6 September 2024. He found “without hesitation” that Mr McPherson unlawfully killed Ms Paula Leeson, and should not benefit financially from her estate, or the life insurance policies totalling £3.9 million he had taken out on her, most without her knowledge.
Mr McPherson was not present, and elected not to be represented, at the trial this spring. Originally from New Zealand, he is believed currently to be living in the South Pacific region.
Ms Leeson worked for her family’s groundworks and skip hire business, W. Leeson & Son. She drowned on 6 June 2017 while on holiday with Mr McPherson at a remote property in Denmark.
The case was initially treated as accidental death by the Danish authorities. A later criminal trial for murder in the UK collapsed in 2021 after the judge in that case, Mr Justice Goose, directed the jury to return a “not guilty” verdict based on there being insufficient evidence to secure a safe conviction.
Immediately following the collapse of the 2021 trial, Ms Leeson’s son Ben, father William and brother Neville initiated civil proceedings against Mr McPherson, instructing the law firm Glaisyers ETL to act for them.
The team working on the case at Glaisyers ETL was led by partner David Jones and senior associate Alison Rowley, with support from the wider commercial litigation team, including trainee Niamh Howarth. The Leeson family were represented in court by the barristers Lesley Anderson KC of Kings Chambers and Tom Gosling and Arianna Barnes of 23 Essex Street Chambers.
Lesley Blohm KC of St John’s Chambers, along with Tom Gosling, represented the family at an earlier hearing, in January 2022, at which an application by Mr McPherson to strike out the Leeson family’s claim was dismissed.
Reflecting on Friday’s judgment, David Jones, partner at Glaisyers ETL, said, “After the seven-year battle for justice on behalf of Paula Leeson, this was the result that we, and the family, had been waiting for.
“Glaisyers ETL have worked tirelessly to secure this outcome for the Leeson family, who never wavered in their belief that their beloved mother, daughter, sister and auntie had been murdered. Despite the Danish authorities originally ruling her death an accident and McPherson’s ‘not guilty’ verdict in 2021, we continued to fight for justice alongside them.”
The civil case in April heard a range of significant new evidence that did not form part of the original criminal prosecution in 2021. The family believes that this new evidence, and Friday’s judgment, will enable Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to re-open the criminal investigation into the case.
Mr Jones continued, “This was a landmark case, and, pending the findings of an inquest into Paula’s death expected later this year, the family believe the compelling new evidence underpinning last week’s judgment makes an overwhelming argument for Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to reopen their investigation into Paula’s death.
“Civil cases alleging criminal activity – in this case the most serious criminal act of all – are rare and often involve high-profile defendants, with settlement being a likely result. However, that was never a realistic outcome for this case which, beyond making sure that McPherson could not profit from Paula’s death, was never about money.
“If the evidence we were able to unearth and present to the High Court in April were to lead to a reopening of the criminal investigation, and potentially another trial under the terms of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, then we believe it would be the first time in England and Wales that criminal proceedings would have been reopened based on the findings of a civil case.”
Mr McPherson, who was born Alexander James Lang in the Auckland suburb of Takapuna, has gone by several different names during his lifetime and has 36 convictions spanning 15 years across three different countries. During the civil trial in April the Court heard that at the time of Ms Leeson’s death he was already preparing another new identity, under the name “Rob Jones”.
In a statement released following Friday’s judgment, the Leeson family said, “Naturally, we were devastated when the criminal Trial against Donald McPherson for Paula’s murder could not proceed in March 2021. We remain grateful to the Greater Manchester Police for their investigation into Paula’s death to-date and the provision of a large volume of documents which helped ensure the success of this claim.
“We now believe that this large body of evidence and the further new and compelling evidence secured in the course of these civil proceedings will enable GMP and the Crown Prosecution Service to re-open the investigation into Paula’s murder and again pursue criminal charges against Donald McPherson leading to his conviction for Paula’s murder.”
⚽️ Gareth Farrelly, our very own Commercial Litigator and Sports Lawyer, took centre stage at the INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CONVENTION, captivating the audience with his visionary outlook on the future of European football. From navigating the evolving landscape to advocating for inclusive decision-making, Gareth left no stone unturned! ⚽🔍
While the conference may be over, the conversation is far from finished. Gareth’s thought-provoking viewpoints have ignited inspiration, prompting us to wonder: What do we want the game to look like in the next five years? 🤔
Union of European Clubs – A different way forward in European Football
Gareth Farrelly started by talking about the speed of change in football and asked the question: “What do we want the game to look like in the next five years?”
On his first visit to the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, he referenced the announcement of the Government’s plans for an Independent Regulator for football, the failed plan for a European Super League, and the points deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
No one knows what will happen next.
Of football clubs, Farrelly asked: “Who is making the decisions that affect you? Do you have the ability to affect those decisions?”
The elite clubs are represented by the European Club Association, which has a restricted membership, but there had been no body representing non-elite professional clubs.
The Union of European Clubs was created in April 2022, from the realisation that smaller and medium sized clubs lacked a voice in decision making. The aim is to create a fair, sustainable and balanced ecosystem for football.
137 clubs have joined the UEC already. Across Europe, there are still another 1400 who have not.
Farrelly outlined the UEC model for operating, which is open to all professional clubs playing in one of the 55 UEFA national associations. There is no hierarchy-the model is ‘truly open and democratic’.
Farrelly noted how the competitive balance has decreased across Europe on a domestic level, and in the UEFA Champions League. He outlined how UEFA’s decision-making affects the whole football ecosystem, but asked, “Who are the people making those decisions? Power is consolidated at the higher end.”
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the firm’s strategic direction and operational management.
Glaisyers ETL were featured in SolicitorsJournal.
In a significant announcement, Glaisyers ETL, a prominent law firm headquartered in Manchester, unveiled the appointment of Russell Brown as its new managing partner.
Mr. Brown, who previously served as the head of the firm’s acclaimed Legal 500-listed employment practice, will now collaborate closely with David Jones, the executive partner at Glaisyers ETL. Together, they will shoulder the responsibilities of steering the firm’s course, both strategically and operationally.
Having commenced his legal career at Glaisyers and qualifying as a solicitor in 2000, Mr. Brown’s journey with the firm has been enduring. His ascent to partnership in 2006 underscores his commitment and contribution to the organization’s growth and success.
Expressing his thoughts on this new responsibility, Mr. Brown remarked, “Since affiliating with the ETL GLOBAL network five years ago, our firm has fortified its standing in the legal market, particularly in delivering expert counsel to independent and mid-market businesses and their stakeholders. Building upon recent successes, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with David to bring forth numerous upcoming initiatives while guiding our exceptional team to continue delivering outstanding client outcomes.”
Glaisyers ETL witnessed significant milestones in the past year, including the launch of a digital, media, and marketing practice under the leadership of partner Steve Kuncewicz. Additionally, the firm expanded its reach by inaugurating its maiden office in Liverpool, led by corporate partner Adrian Rogers. The relocation from St James’s Square to new premises at 3 Hardman Street in Manchester’s Spinningfields business district further underscored the firm’s growth trajectory.
Reflecting on the firm’s trajectory, David Jones conveyed, “Last year was marked by both expansion and moments of sorrow following the loss of our managing partner, Dave Marlor. Russell demonstrated remarkable leadership during both highs and lows. I am delighted to formalize his role and eagerly anticipate our collaboration in the years to come.”
Russell Brown’s appointment signifies not only a continuation of Glaisyers ETL’s legacy but also a promising step towards its future as a leader in providing legal expertise and exceptional client service. His wealth of experience and dedication positions the firm for continued success and growth in the dynamic legal landscape.
North West-based national law firm, Glaisyers ETL, has increased its presence in Manchester with a move to 3 Hardman Street in the city’s Spinningfields business district.
The firm has relocated its Manchester headquarters from St James’s Square, near the town hall. It has taken a 10-year lease, with the option to extend by another five years, on a 9,580 sq ft office previously occupied by the property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton.
The landlord is Mapletree Europe Income Trust (MERIT), a fund managed by Mapletree, a global real estate development, investment, capital and property management company committed to sustainability which is headquartered in Singapore.
Glaisyers ETL has been a fixture of Manchester’s professional scene since 1974, and has grown both organically and through a series of mergers in the intervening years.
In 2018 it underwent a management buy-in backed by the international professional services network ETL Global, led by the firm’s current executive partner, David Jones, and managing partner, David Marlor, who tragically passed away earlier this year.
Mr Jones said: “Since 2018 we have evolved from a regional stalwart into a national force with a growing international reputation, and have just been recognised once again as a leading firm by the Legal 500. This move into high class offices in the heart of the city’s financial and business district is testament to what we have achieved in the past five years, despite a global pandemic and what can politely be called ‘interesting times’ economically.
“At Glaisyers ETL we are great believers in flexible working, and our early investment in IT systems to enable home working allowed us to see out the pandemic relatively seamlessly. However, we also believe passionately in the importance of face-to-face collaboration, team camaraderie, and hosting clients and business partners in a professional environment that reflects the exceptional quality of our team and our legal advice – and that is what these new premises will provide.”
Glaisyers ETL, which earlier this year opened a new office at The Plaza on Liverpool’s Old Hall Street, currently has a headcount of 72. Its new Manchester office can accommodate up 100 staff.
The move was coordinated by Glaisyers ETL’s projects and business solutions manager, Sean Edwards, and management team, including people and organisational development manager Janet Westwell and finance and business services manager Carolyn Smith, supported by their property consultant Josh Levy of JLMcr Property Consultancy.
The legal aspects of the move were handled by Glaisyers ETL’s Legal 500-listed commercial property team. James Devany of JLL acted on behalf of Mapletree.
Celebrating the New Year at Glaisyers ETL, it is our pleasure to share the news of several exciting promotions within our team Please join us in congratulating Kathryn Parrish on her new role as Partner; Charlotte Hardie on her promotion to Associate Partner; and Kathryn O’Rourke on her promotion to Senior Associate. All three have consistently exhibited a high level of expertise in their practice areas and demonstrated excellent client service which have helped contribute to the success and growth of the firm. We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Russell Brown as the firm’s new Managing Partner. Russell has been an integral member of our team since 1996, and will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s overall operations, guiding it through the next stage of our growth and success. What better way to kickstart 2024 than by recognising and supporting our internal talent?! Here’s to another year of growing the Team Glaisyers legacy… ✨
National law firm Glaisyers ETL has opened its first office in Liverpool, which will serve the owner-managed sector in the city and surrounding areas, with plans to hit £1m turnover within the first two years.
The opening, in The Plaza, in the central business district’s Old Hall Street, adds to its existing footprint in Manchester and London.
Glaisyers has, since 2018, been part of ETL GLOBAL, a German-based international professional services network which employs more than 15,000 tax, audit, accountancy and legal professionals across more than 50 countries.
The Liverpool office will initially focus on corporate and commercial law.
It is being led by new corporate partner Adrian Rogers, who has joined Glaisyers from Knights. He is working alongside David Jones, executive partner at Glaisyers ETL and overall head of ETL Global UK’s legal arm, who also lives in Liverpool.
Mr Rogers’ new role represents a professional homecoming, having spent the first 15 years of his legal career at Brabners, where he qualified as a solicitor and rose to the position of partner in its Liverpool office.
In 2017 he joined the Manchester firm Turner Parkinson, which became part of Knights in 2018, and held the role of corporate partner there.
Mr Rogers said: “Glaisyers is an innovative, entrepreneurial and growing firm, with an ambition that matches my own, so when David Jones offered me the opportunity to be part of the team, help grow the ETL network and come home to Liverpool, it was a very quick and simple decision.”
He said three staff will be based in the office initially, with plans to grow the team: “There’s no limit on what we’re trying to do here. There’s more space within the building if we need to relocate,” he added.
David Jones said the target is for the Liverpool team to achieve turnover of £1m within two years, with a focus on a couple of sectors in particular: “We’re looking at the sports side, particularly football, being based in Liverpool. We have a specialism in football clubs.”
