'Robust' performance from law firm which is moving into Majestic in Leeds with Channel 4

n July, Knights announced it was investing in new office space to support the group’s ambitions to grow in Leeds.

Knights, which recently acquired leading Leeds law firm Shulmans, will be joining Channel 4 in the Majestic, which has been comprehensively refurbished by the Rushbond Group.

The law firm has provided a trading update for the half year ended October 31 2020.

Knights said it was pleased to report that October saw activity, including new business instructions, recover to near pre COVID levels.

The statement added: "There has been no meaningful impact from either the regional restrictions in October or the national lockdown in November. The robust first half year performance and current trading levels give the board confidence that the group is trading in line with market expectations for the full financial year.

"Given the group’s robust performance, the board was able to remove all previously announced salary cost-reductions from November 1. In the first half, Knights integrated the three acquisitions completed in April ahead of plan, all of which have contributed in H1 21 as expected."

The group recruited 28 new senior fee earners during the first half, compared with seven new senior fee earners in the same period last year.

David Beech, the CEO, commented: "We have seen a strong recovery in activity levels since the sudden impact of COVID at the end of our last financial year. Our business is both well positioned and resilient, which gives us confidence in our ability to navigate the current economic turbulence.

“Building on our recent successful integration of three acquisitions and recruitment of high calibre partners from other top 50 law firms, we look forward to continuing our growth, both organically and through selected acquisitions.”

Knights has also agreed to acquire OTB Eveling LLP, an independent commercial law firm based in Exeter.