Our teams provide specialist expertise and collaborate closely with one another to meet the full spectrum of your needs whether for business or for you personally. Each of our clients can expect consistent access to the partners and consultants of our firm, who lead knowledgeable groups of lawyers, united by a shared ethos and a powerful sense of purpose.
As head of the Corporate and Commercial Team Deborah uses her vast experience to advise her clients on all types of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions and disposals. Deborah's work also includes advising on business structures and restructuring, corporate finance, exit planning, joint ventures, family investment companies and commercial contracts. In addition, Deborah provides general advice and support to key decision makers so they have the guidance required to make the best decisions for their companies. Deborah's expertise means that she is able to deal with businesses of all sizes from SMEs to PLCs, and no matter what sector they operate in or whether they trade nationally or internationally. She also advises clients based outside the UK on business and transactions within the UK.
Deborah handles both small scale and multimillion pound transactions and has recently worked on a variety of transactions including, a large number of share transactions which have involved investments into private companies as well as outright sales and purchases (including groups with international subsidiaries), a Management Buy-Out, business asset acquisitions including purchases from administrators, national and international joint ventures and mergers, refinancing, shareholder, partner and LLP member arrangements and legal issues relating to business planning and strategy as well as insolvency issues affecting businesses, directors and shareholders.
She is involved with businesses at every stage of development and her recent work has also included putting in place and advising upon structures for new and existing business ventures and initiatives (including international trading and structures) and dealing with reorganisations.
What others say about Deborah:
Deborah and her team at Eaton Smith handled the recent sale of our family business exemplary showing 100% commitment to the lengthy transaction without faltering on their support both legally and personally. The attention to detail in what was a complicated business deal meant that I felt in safe hands and the understanding and guidance offered throughout made it easier for me to comprehend the complexity of the legalities which were completely out of my comfort zone. I had complete trust in Deborah and the team and the dedication shown throughout meant I never felt alone or vulnerable in what was a stressful and emotional time. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Deborah Melluish and the team at Eaton Smith.
D. Storer
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 01/11/91
Adele is a Partner at Eaton Smith Solicitors and heads the firm's Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team. With more than 30 years' experience in the legal profession, she has built a strong reputation for providing expert advice and dedicated support to individuals who have suffered injury through medical negligence or personal injury incidents.
Adele specialises in complex clinical negligence and personal injury claims, helping clients secure the compensation and support they need following life-changing injuries, negligent medical treatment, workplace accidents, road traffic collisions, and public liability incidents. Her extensive experience encompasses a wide range of serious injury and medical negligence matters, enabling her to guide clients through often challenging and emotional legal processes with confidence and compassion.
Clients value Adele's approachable manner, practical advice, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. She takes pride in providing clear guidance and personal support throughout every stage of a claim, ensuring clients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their legal journey
Ben acts for clients in a variety of sectors ranging from heavy engineering through pharmaceuticals to IT service providers. His clients range from large national companies to owner managed and family-owned businesses.
Whilst Ben specialises in transactional work, acting for sellers and buyers on share and asset transactions, Ben also advises clients on:
Ben look to provide his clients with clear, commercial and pragmatic solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
When not in work, Ben enjoys real ale, cooking and running round after his two daughters.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 02/10/06
Chris is a Partner in the Company Commercial Team at Eaton Smith.
Chris spends much of his time advising on and preparing agreements across a broad range of commercial areas including terms and conditions of sale and purchase, confidentiality, data protection, intellectual property, prize promotions, joint ventures and he also deals with tenders. His work has led to agreements involving businesses in, amongst other countries, America, Turkey, South Africa, Japan and Australia.
For further information on our Commercial Law services, please click here
In addition to commercial work, Chris conducts sales and purchases of both assets and shares and also provides assistance to others in the Team during substantial corporate transactions.
Just some of the work that Chris has been involved in includes:
In relation to issues specific to the video games sector, Chris is also able to prepare or advise on issues concerning, amongst other things:
For more information on our video games work, please click here
Eaton Smith is also able to provide advice in this area regarding employment, dispute resolution/mediation and debt recovery.
Chris came to the Team after spending six years as a Paralegal with DLA (now DLA Piper) in Leeds prior to qualifying in 2005.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 03/10/05
What others say about Chris:
Yet another example of why Chris Taylor at Eaton Smith is a great set of eyeballs on our company activity. The intentions of Chris are always impeccable and appreciated. He has provided unsolicited advice and continues to look after our interests and has expressed an availability to act should we need to instruct further. I rarely get the opportunity to commend someone for their input to our daily business but thought that this should be mentioned. I am extremely pleased to be dealing with Chris on such matters.
- Ubisoft
“Just wanted to say a huge thanks to you Chris for all the work done to get the contract to this point. Being solo and a newcomer to the industry, your help has been absolutely invaluable. And your expertise clearly shines through. I'll of course definitely be using Eaton Smith for any future legal endeavours, I'm really pleased with the work that has been done.”
- A Client
Let’s face it, deciding on a solicitor is a bit of a gamble, but fortunately, we found Chris.
Understanding the legal landscape is daunting, and I would not have secured our deal without him. He is a fountain of legal knowledge that goes well beyond the black and white mentality you often find. I discovered very early on that Chris is first and foremost a genuine person, who also happens to be an incredible solicitor. Chris has a unique way of getting results, by delivering practical information, combined with strategic moves and overall empathy. His style is subtle, focused and precise, which genuinely helped us carve out a deal with little to no resistance.
I can’t emphasise how important this is, as Chris never lost sight of our needs, and he always had a sense of momentum with a constant view of completion in mind. Chris is top of his game and is a rare breed of AAA solicitor who also goes that extra mile for you. It’s honestly been a pleasure, and I will continue to collaborate with Chris for all our company affairs.
- A Client
The moment we realised that we'd need someone to prepare a legal document for us, there was no real argument as to who. We've both seen how proactive you are in our industry and how willing you are to help at times of need, so you were literally our first logical choice.- IndieHound
- IndieHound
I have to say this is a work of art, reads exactly as I wanted. Thank you very much for your work on this, it's been a joy in a way I thought legal stuff could never be.
Thank you also for your excellent comments in the email. I appreciate your taking the time to educate me along the way and not just provide a final document. You're a joy to work with, thanks
Jabbar is a Partner in our Corporate and Commercial Team and has over 20 years of transactional experience working in private practice. He advises businesses on a wide variety of matters including mergers and acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations, partnerships, joint ventures and all types of commercial contracts and agreements.
Jabbar has broad experience covering an array of M&A, private equity (acting for investors, shareholders and management teams), shareholder matters, business and asset sales, banking and finance.
Jabbar works with all types of business clients from small start-up businesses to medium and large corporate enterprises across a wide spectrum of sectors. He is an experienced corporate lawyer and always looks to provide sound pragmatic commercial advice, attention to detail and a friendly manner.
Outside of work, Jabbar enjoys playing golf and watching most sports. He is also a keen DIY enthusiast and is currently working on a renovation project of his own.
James qualified as a solicitor in September 2004, having trained at a then UK Top 100 law firm in the North East of England. In 2006, James joined a niche commercial practice in Newcastle upon Tyne, specialising in all aspects of commercial property, before joining another leading law firm based in the North East of England. Until recently, James has been a partner with a well-known South Yorkshire law firm specialising in commercial property, before joining Eaton Smith in April 2020 as a partner in our property department.
James has significant experience across all aspects of commercial property, including landlord and tenant work, acquisition and disposal, portfolio and estate management, commercial development, secured lending and property and development finance.
What clients have previously said of James:
“A superb service provided by James Burgess and his team. Constantly kept up to date and the transaction was completed efficiently. Would not use anyone else after such a positive experience. Thank you very much!”.
“James was very attentive and we knew he had our best interests in hand. Made buying and selling a lot less stressful knowing we had an excellent team supporting us”.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 15/09/04
Jamie is a Partner in Eaton Smith's Commercial Property team, advising businesses, investors, developers, landlords, tenants and lenders on a wide range of commercial property matters. He provides pragmatic, commercially focused advice and works closely with clients to ensure transactions progress efficiently while protecting their commercial objectives.
His expertise includes commercial acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, secured lending, refinancing, investment property transactions, agreements for lease, lease negotiations and business transactions involving property interests.
Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2018, Jamie has built extensive experience acting for owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and lending institutions. Prior to joining Eaton Smith in 2021, he worked at firms across Yorkshire and was promoted to Partner in 2025. Jamie also served as President of the Huddersfield and Dewsbury Incorporated Law Society.
Clients value Jamie's approachable manner, clear communication and practical approach to solving complex issues. He maintains a 5.0/5 rating on Review Solicitors.
Swift, Professional & Easy to Work With
We recently worked with Jamie at Eaton Smith Solicitors to draft a number of tailored lease agreements. The service was swift and professional throughout, and Jamie was very easy to work with. Really pleased with the support provided and would happily recommend.
If I could rate higher than 5 I would do, Jamie has been a life saver. He has been very pro-active, time efficient and his communication has been fantastic.
Jamie Humpheson went above and beyond for us from start to finish. Always available and quick to respond to any queries that we had. A pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys running and travelling. Having recently completed a marathon, he is always looking ahead to his next challenge, including trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Julie Evans joined Eaton Smith as a Partner in 2026, bringing more than 25 years of property experience. After beginning her career in residential property, she moved into commercial property where she has built a strong reputation advising on landlord and tenant matters for high-net-worth individuals, SMEs, investors, and property portfolio owners.
Known for her pragmatic and commercially focused approach, Julie helps clients cut through complexity to understand risks, identify practical solutions, and make confident decisions. She is passionate about building trusted relationships and is renowned for her responsiveness, earning her the nickname "the fastest emailer in the West."
Outside of work, Julie is a Trustee of the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch, a self-funded organisation dedicated to animal welfare across the local community.
Katherine is a Partner in our Family team. She qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and specialises in family law. She focusses on care proceedings and has significant expertise in this area. Katherine is very experienced in representing children, parents and carers in care proceedings. She is also a member of the Law Society Children Panel.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 01/07/08
Paul is a partner in our dispute resolution team.
Having qualified in 2004 Paul has a wealth of experience dealing with a wide range of matters, both in a commercial field as well as property related issues.
Examples of the type of matters that Paul regularly deals with are:
Commercial disputes
Property disputes
Paul has a particular specialism in property related disputes and regularly advises both businesses and individuals in relation to the following matters:
Outside of work Paul spends much of his time taking his children to their various sporting activities but when he has some spare time Paul is a regular runner having completed numerous races in various distances from 10k to marathons. He also enjoys walks with his dog and cooking.
Philip is Head of our Dispute Resolution team and is an experienced Dispute Resolution Solicitor who guides clients through contractual and other disputes. Having had significant Trial experience, he has both applied for and responded to applications for Injunctive relief and understands the necessity for swift decisive action at the early stages in Litigation. Philip is a strong believer in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is an experienced advocate at both mediations and all parties meetings.
Philip has particular interests in contractual disputes, litigation arising out of corporate transactions, employer/ employee disputes and partnership disputes.
Examples of Philip's work in these areas are set out below:-
Contractual Disputes
Advising a manufacturing client on the termination of a Partnering Contract with a sports governing body. This settled on confidential terms after negotiation;
Advising a client on the threatened termination of a catering contract for a music festival;
Advising a major food manufacturer on claims arising out of the termination of trademark licences. This settled on confidential terms following a mediation; and
Advising on the termination of a significant shared services contract. This settled on confidential terms following an all parties meeting.
Corporate Transactional Disputes
Advising a buyer on warranty and indemnity claims arising out of a share purchase agreement following a tax charge on matters occurring before completion. This settled following negotiation;
Attending an 11 day trial in the Chancery Division on a claim for breach of a relationship agreement following an admission onto AIM; and
Attending a 3 day Preliminary Issue Hearing for a seller dealing with whether a buyer had given adequate notification under a share purchase agreement.
Employer/ Employee Disputes
Advising an employer on action against two employees who had set up in competition in breach of their restrictive covenants and had placed fraudulent orders whilst still in employment. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting;
Advising an employer on action against an employee on garden leave and his prospective employer for poaching clients, breach of confidence and breach of fiduciary duty including an application for injunctive relief against both defendants, delivery up of all confidential information and provision of information. This settled on confidential terms at a multi party mediation; and
Advising a former senior director on a claim for breach of confidence, conspiracy, breach of restrictive covenants and allegations of invoicing fraud including advising on a search order (on 1 hours notice), provision of information by affidavit and a potential freezing order application. This settled on confidential terms following negotiation.
Partnership Disputes
Advising a General Practitioner in a Partnership dispute with his fellow Partners. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting;
Advising a Recruitment Consultant in a Partnership dispute with his fellow Partners. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting; and
Advising on a multi million pound farming partnership dispute that settled after a 5 day trial but before judgment was handed down.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 01/03/05
Sam is a Partner in the Commercial and Video Games Law team at Eaton Smith.
Sam has a great deal of experience working with commercial contracts in a number of different sectors ranging from physical goods to digital services and the online commercial world. He has developed substantial expertise in matters relating to the law around technology, software and data generally and adds particular value to clients working in these sectors regardless of their location. Sam has advised USA and other foreign based clients on their UK operations often regarding the UK GDPR and the Information Commissioners’ Children’s Code as it relates to their activities. His commercial awareness and generally collaborative approach to negotiation means that he is often directly involved in supporting discussions between his clients and their customers.
Sam has developed a number of specialisms throughout his career to date to offer a one-stop-shop for advice for businesses working within the online world. His specialisms range from deep contract law knowledge to covering data protection matters, software and content licensing, and complex development arrangements.
In his work to date Sam has developed a particular knowledge of data protection laws which are especially relevant for clients in the data broking space, or those working with health information or children's data. Sam has advised a number of clients and assisted them in preparing detailed Data Protection Risk Assessments in heavily regulated industries.
For a lawyer, Sam has an exceptionally good baseline knowledge of computer theory and his years of experience working closely with software developers has given him unique insight into the workings of the world of software development all the way from website development up to much more complex development and support arrangements. Sam's commercial awareness of the technology sector adds real value to clients who praise him for his general commercial-mindedness and for his ability to translate complex legal concepts into real world examples that developers can relate to.
In addition to more traditional contracts work Sam is also a key contact at Eaton Smith for clients in the Video Games sector. As a keen gamer himself, Sam is able to bring his knowledge of video games to bear in a way that enables him to add significant value to his advice to clients in this sector. Working with publishers and developers as well as independent artists, Sam very much enjoys applying his specialisms to this sector.
The types of contracts that Sam works on include but are by no means limited to:
In his spare time, when he isn't checking out the latest video games in early-access, Sam enjoys bouldering, sailing, swimming, playing hockey, reading ancient myths and science-fiction novels and occasionally trying his hand at oil painting among other mediums.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 03/10/16 with over 10 years’ experience in Commercial Law.
Here's what clients had to say about Sam:
Sam was able to take on ALJO on as a client with very short notice which I appreciated, he was very knowledgeable in parsing through games publisher contracts in a high pressure environment and helped me navigate negotiations in a manner of great benefit to the company. Would thoroughly recommend his service and that of Eaton Smith. - Alex Johansson, ALJO Games
Sam was very well informed and thorough working with me on an IP transfer in the video game space. - A Client
Vicky is a Partner at Eaton Smith.
Vicky has considerable knowledge and experience in commercial property transactions which spans a diverse range of requirements for businesses in a variety of industry sectors. Vicky's previous work in this area includes disposal and acquisition of sites for development purposes whether for commercial, retail or residential use (including disposals and acquisitions as a result of options, pre-emptions and conditional contracts), commercial sales and purchases of property, secured lending and providing support on the property aspects of corporate transactions. She has dealt with multiple small businesses, commercial landlord and tenant matters and in particular has experience of the care homes sector.
The vast experience that Vicky has enables her to represent businesses and a variety of organisations across a broad spectrum of different sectors.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 15/10/91
With more than 20 years of experience in family law, Zahra has established herself as one of the region’s leading family law practitioners, providing strategic, pragmatic and empathetic advice to clients facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
She specialises in all aspects of family law, with expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals on divorce and financial remedy proceedings.
She regularly assists clients with complex financial settlements involving business interests, property portfolios, pensions and other substantial assets, helping them secure fair and practical resolutions while protecting their long-term interests.
As a member of Resolution, she is committed to promoting a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law matters wherever possible.
She actively supports solutions that minimise conflict and focus on the best interests of those involved, including the use of mediation where appropriate.
Fluent in Urdu, she is also able to provide clear and effective legal advice to Urdu-speaking clients, ensuring they feel fully supported and understood throughout the legal process.
Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 15/09/04
