Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Huddersfield
Eaton Smith Solicitors is a forward-thinking law firm established through the merger of two prominent Huddersfield-based firms in 1997. Our team of legal professionals provides comprehensive services to businesses and individuals across Yorkshire, the UK, and internationally. With over 6,000 clients annually, we specialise in commercial property, employment dispute resolution, video games industry legal matters, child care law, domestic abuse cases, conveyancing, personal injury claims, clinical negligence, probate, and trust management. Our client service charter prioritises clear communication, transparency in fees, and personalised support, ensuring clients receive practical solutions tailored to their needs.Recognised with multiple awards, including Best Legal Service Supplier for the video games industry, we maintain ISO 9001 accreditation and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in client testimonials praising our expertise, dedication, and ability to handle complex legal challenges with empathy and precision.
Services
Commercial Property
Employment Dispute Resolution
Video Games Industry Legal Services
Child Care Law
Conveyancing
Personal Injury Claims
Clinical Negligence
Probate Services
Trust Management
Domestic Abuse Cases
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Award-winning legal expertise in commercial and private law sectors
- Specialist knowledge in niche areas like video games industry contracts
- Client-centric approach with transparent fee structures
- Regional accessibility combined with international transaction experience
- Recognised for innovation and excellence in legal service delivery
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- Specialist Quality Mark (SQM)
What people say
100% commitment to lengthy transactions
Proactive legal support
Exceptional attention to detail
Strong negotiation skills
Personalised client approach
Services
Commercial Property
Our commercial property team advises on acquisitions, disposals, and portfolio management for businesses across sectors. We handle secured lending, development projects, and landlord-tenant matters, with particular expertise in the care homes sector. Clients benefit from strategic guidance on property aspects of corporate transactions and international property deals, ensuring compliance with UK regulations while maximising commercial outcomes.
Employment Dispute Resolution
We specialise in resolving employment disputes through mediation and litigation, covering contractual disagreements, wrongful dismissal claims, and workplace discrimination cases. Our solicitors provide strategic advice on employment tribunal proceedings, settlement agreements, and workplace investigations, helping businesses maintain compliance with employment law while protecting their operational interests.
Video Games Industry Legal Services
Our dedicated video games law team handles intellectual property protection, software licensing agreements, and development contracts for studios and publishers. We advise on data protection compliance, end-user licence agreements, and international distribution arrangements, combining technical understanding with legal expertise to support clients in this rapidly evolving sector.
Child Care Law
We represent children, parents, and carers in care proceedings, specialising in complex child protection cases. Our solicitors provide guidance on local authority interventions, adoption processes, and family court procedures, maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding children's welfare while ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.
Conveyancing
Our conveyancing specialists manage residential and commercial property transactions with efficiency and precision. We handle title investigations, contract negotiations, and completion processes for buyers, sellers, and mortgage lenders, ensuring smooth transfers while addressing potential legal complications proactively.
People
Deborah Melluish
Partner
Head of the Corporate and Commercial Team with expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and international transactions. Advises businesses from SMEs to PLCs on corporate restructuring and commercial contracts, delivering results in complex, high-value deals.
Vicky Heywood
Partner
Commercial property specialist handling acquisitions, disposals, and secured lending for diverse industry sectors. Provides strategic property advice for corporate transactions and has particular experience in the care homes sector.
Chris Taylor
Partner
Commercial law expert specialising in technology contracts, data protection, and video games industry agreements. Advises international clients on software licensing, intellectual property, and digital services contracts, with experience in cross-border transactions.
Philip Clarke
Partner
Dispute resolution specialist with trial experience in contractual disputes, corporate transaction conflicts, and employment law cases. Advocates for alternative dispute resolution methods while preparing robust litigation strategies when necessary.
Adele Whitfield
Partner
Head of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team, managing complex claims involving serious injuries and medical treatment failures. Accredited member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel with a focus on client support through challenging legal processes.
Questions
What areas of law does Eaton Smith Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in commercial property, employment law, video games industry contracts, child care law, conveyancing, personal injury claims, and clinical negligence cases, serving both businesses and private clients.
How does Eaton Smith differ from other law firms?
Our combination of regional accessibility with international transaction experience, sector-specific expertise in areas like video games law, and client-focused service approach distinguish us from general practice firms.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Huddersfield, we work with clients across Yorkshire, throughout the UK, and on international transactions involving UK-based businesses.
What accreditations does the firm hold?
We maintain ISO 9001 quality standards, Specialist Quality Mark accreditation, and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, reflecting our commitment to professional excellence.
Reviews (6)
Jeannie Randall
Nov 02, 2021
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Excellent service, from being prompt seeing me, to the friendliest of the receptionist to Irina Polyakoza being fantastic. Thank you
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Katy Craig
Aug 06, 2021
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Conveyancing is appauling.
Eaton Smith are the least responsive solicitors I've ever had the displeasure of coming across in 10 x purchases. In 3 days it will be 6 weeks waiting for a reply to basic queries (Eaton Smith represent my vendor). They took 2 months to forward the information pack (a pack that was already prepared from a previous purchaser who, I've been informed, pulled out because of Eaton Smiths poor service!)
I'll update this review as it progresses. If this continues I'll be pulling out (unless the vendor uses a different solicitor - whom is NOT Eaton Smith!)
Eaton Smith are the least responsive solicitors I've ever had the displeasure of coming across in 10 x purchases. In 3 days it will be 6 weeks waiting for a reply to basic queries (Eaton Smith represent my vendor). They took 2 months to forward the information pack (a pack that was already prepared from a previous purchaser who, I've been informed, pulled out because of Eaton Smiths poor service!)
I'll update this review as it progresses. If this continues I'll be pulling out (unless the vendor uses a different solicitor - whom is NOT Eaton Smith!)
Nicola Russell
Jan 20, 2021
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Chris came recommended from friends who had used him for moves in different areas some with quite complicated purchases and I could see why, Chris is friendly and knowledgeable. Ours was a house move due to covid the process took longer than anticipated however Chris's expertise meant no delays from our side, his experience meant he could foresee possible issues and advise so that they could be addressed before they had any impact. Fully updated throughout the whole process and never needed to chase made the move seemless! Thank you.
J. D.
Sep 27, 2020
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Really good family solicitors, had not seen my daughter for 7 years, now she is living with me.
Heaney Andrea
May 19, 2020
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Friendly, professional, straight and up front over pricing (only pleasant surprises). Much appreciated!
(On behalf of Richard Heaney and myself).
(On behalf of Richard Heaney and myself).
Ubisoft Uk
Nov 26, 2018
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The team at Ubisoft have always found Eaton Smiths solicitors to be professional, efficient and precise in the commitment to the service we ask them to provide. Chris Taylor's attention to detail is exemplary, you could not ask for someone more dedicated to assist you in employment law matters than Kate Booth and Andrew Pedley has offered excellent advice and timely intervention in complicated negotiations. We would not hesitate in recommending Eaton Smith to others. Eaton Smith have represented the UK office of Ubisoft that operates in all Export and Middle east countries as well as the UK
