New Wilkin Chapman Partners put client relationships to the fore as their portfolios grow

The region’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman solicitors, has welcomed two new Partners as it seeks to further develop the specialist areas of Medical Negligence, Commercial Property and Licensing.

Both former senior solicitors within the firm, Jonathan Baker and Jonathan Hyldon will look to grow their respective fields in the decade ahead.

Jonathan Baker, who represents Wilkin Chapman across the Lincolnshire and Humber regions, has grown with the firm having joined as a trainee a decade ago, following the completion of his degree at Hull University and his LPC, (Legal Practice Course), in York.

Progressing to senior solicitor in 2016, Lincoln-based Jonathan is the force behind the firm’s Medical Negligence team.

“From a personal and professional perspective, I know there is great potential for this department. It is an extremely interesting area of law and of great personal importance to those clients you are helping,” said Jonathan.

With a passion for ensuring those he represents are financially secure after suffering sometimes life-changing and extremely serious injury, Jonathan is an advocate of the need for thorough and precise investigation on both sides when negligence claims are brought against the NHS.

Whilst publicity sometimes suggests that such cases are growing in the wake of a ‘claim society’, Jonathan points out that claims have remained relatively static over the last decade.

“Yes there is greater awareness of a person’s ability to question treatment, but it is important to understand that people do not go to hospital with a view to bringing a claim and are often reluctant to do so against the NHS,” he explained.

“Of course, 99 per cent of the time everything will be fine, but things can and do go wrong and when human medical care is involved the consequences can be serious. That is when we try to help. Some of the people I support have suffered life-changing injuries and require permanent care and support moving forward, for which they need and deserve financial help,” he added.

Meanwhile in contrasting areas of law, Jonathan Hyldon has followed a different path to Partnership at Wilkin Chapman but is equally as delighted with his progress. Joining the firm as a senior solicitor in 2016 he had previously worked at city firms in Hull and Leeds. He travelled nationwide representing some of the largest hospitality chains in the UK in both alcohol and gambling licensing cases, providing him with extensive litigation skills and experience.

Jonathan also acted in commercial property transactions and having always been Grimsby-based, he saw a move to Wilkin Chapman as the perfect opportunity to join the Commercial Property team of one of the most progressive law firms in the region.

As a result, over the last five years his strength in complex property transactions, including acting on the sale and purchase of commercial property, planning agreements, options, leases and licences has grown considerably. He also represents developer clients on acquisitions and the development of multi-million-pound sites, winning him a diverse portfolio of local, regional and national clients.

Jonathan works closely with the Corporate and Commercial team in Grimsby providing support on major corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions and advising on corporate finance, including banking facilities and security documentation.

He is part of the firm’s specialist Education & Academies Sector - a leading provider in the region, advising on property elements when schools are converting to Academies or looking to join Multi Academy Trusts. He also advises on other property aspects in the education sector.

“The work I carry out is both dynamic and diverse. Having joined the largest law firm in the region I have continually developed my property skills whilst at the same time forming strong relationships with my clients.

“Whilst as a firm we are continually seeking to expand our legal offering we also place great emphasis on providing our existing clients with the best service possible. Retention is key and maintaining client relationships that we have built over many years is of paramount importance,” said Jonathan.

“I am delighted to become a Partner and look forward to playing an integral part in the future of Wilkin Chapman,” he added.