Top talent, local focus: Muckle grows private client team in Teesside

Muckle LLP is in growth mode – and doing things differently.

The North East and Cumbria-based commercial law firm, known for combining legal expertise with community values, has made a strategic appointment to its private client team, reinforcing its commitment to Teesside.

Having joined in early 2025, Leah Duffield brings more than a decade of experience of advising individuals, families and business owners on estate planning, inheritance tax and succession.

Now a partner at Muckle, she is leading the firm’s private client work in Teesside – a move that marks a new chapter for the team and the firm.

But this is more than just growth. It’s purpose-led growth, grounded in local knowledge and a people-first culture that has seen Muckle named North East Best Place to Work two years running, with another shortlisting in 2025.

A powerhouse team on the rise

Muckle’s private client team is one of its fastest-growing divisions.

It grew by 72 per cent in 2022 and a further 11 per cent in 2023/2024, fuelled by specialist recruitment and investment across wills, trusts, estates and succession planning.

Led by David Towns, head of agriculture, estates and private client, the team is known for handling complex, high-value matters, particularly for business owners, landowners and high-net-worth families.

David says: “Clients want deep expertise and long-term relationships.

“That’s what we deliver – and Leah’s appointment takes it to the next level.” Homegrown Teesside talent Leah’s arrival bolsters the firm’s already impressive private client offering.

Born and raised in Middlesbrough, Leah brings more than a decade of experience advising individuals and families with her technical skill, local insight and unwavering focus on doing the right thing for clients.

She says: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Muckle team.

“The firm’s values align completely with mine; it’s about quality, community and putting people first.

“As someone from Teesside, it’s exciting to be part of a team that’s serious about investing here and giving back to the community.”

Leah now leads Muckle’s private client services in Teesside, which is supported by the firm’s wider network across the North East, Cumbria and beyond.

Growth with purpose

Muckle’s success spans more than one practice area.

In 2023/2024, the firm posted £17 million in turnover, with profits up 11 per cent to £4.2 million.

Private client was among the top-performing teams, alongside corporate, employment and dispute resolution.

Momentum continues, with the firm already achieving double-digit growth forecasts for 2025.

But Muckle doesn’t just focus on profit.

As a certified B Corp – one of the few UK law firms to hold the status – it is committed to being a force for good and giving back to the communities in which it operates.

In the past year, Muckle donated more than £51,000 to regional causes via the Muckle Fund at the Community Foundation, provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal support and backed dozens of volunteering projects.

Anthony Evans, managing partner, says: “People want to work with – and for – a firm that does the right thing.

“Leah’s appointment reflects our commitment to Teesside, where we’re building deeper connections with clients and communities.”

Supporting Teesside’s future

That community ethos was key to Leah’s decision to join.

She says: “Muckle understands that being part of the community means giving back.

“That’s something I’ve always believed in – and the firm lives it every day.”

One example is Clean Slate Solutions, a Teesside charity helping ex-offenders into work.

It recently received another £5000 grant from the Muckle Fund – the third year in a row it has received support.

The firm is also working to improve social mobility in Teesside, an area often described as a ‘cold spot’ for opportunity.

Muckle is a founding member of the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme and partners with the Social Mobility Foundation to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It also collaborates with Tees Valley schools, where a high percentage of pupils receive free school meals and are offered insight days and legal career pathways.

Leah adds: “We’re a full-service commercial law firm.

“We support businesses and individuals alike, and we’re invested in this region for the long term.

“There is a lot more to come.”

Teesside in focus

Muckle’s move into Teesside builds on a century of regional commitment.

The firm already advises local organisations including Teesside International Airport, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Wilton Universal Group and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Leah’s appointment cements the firm’s ambition to expand not just its commercial footprint, but its personal legal services in the region.

Anthony adds: “Teesside is full of opportunity.

“Leah’s local roots, reputation and leadership make her the ideal person to help us grow our presence and support more families, businesses and individuals with expert advice.”

What’s next?

For clients across the North East, Muckle’s expanding private client offering means greater access to expert advice on family, business and legacy.

With a growing team, a strong ethical foundation and a respected local leader like Leah now in place, Muckle is positioning itself as the go-to firm for the next generation of leading lawyers.

And with a new five-year plan soon to be launched, one thing is clear: Muckle isn’t just growing.

It is growing with purpose.

 

Muckle LLP

To learn more about how Muckle can help you, visit muckle-llp.com, contact Leah Duffield on 0191 211 7790 or email [email protected]

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