27th May 2025 · Growth
Cooklaw Solicitors announces HQ expansion alongside new team and service offering
North East-based law firm Cooklaw Solicitors has announced its relocation to a prominent Sunderland business park as it welcomes a brand-new team and expands its service offering.
Pictured left to right: Mark Cook (Founder & Director), Ruth Markham (Director of Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury), Lee Gilder (Director & Head of Residential & Commercial Property) and Richard Walls (Director & Head of New Build)
Having been previously based at Frederick Street, Sunderland, the firm recently unveiled its new larger premises at Sunderland Enterprise Park, as it looks to drive future growth with additional team members set to join throughout 2025 and beyond.
Michael McGhin, Commercial Agency Surveyor from Bradley Hall, represented the landlords of the property leading up to the move, with Cooklaw represented by Mario Jaconelli of Lofthouse and Partners. The move to larger premises positions Cooklaw to forge ahead with its ambitious growth plans as it looks to reinforce its position as one of the region’s most trusted legal practices and underpins its dedication to addressing a wider range of legal needs within the community.
As part of the ambitious firm’s expansion plans, the Cooklaw team has welcomed newly appointed Director Ruth Markham, who is responsible for Cooklaw’s newest team, specialising in Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, and Litigation. Ruth and her team have a wealth of experience and expert knowledge in clinical negligence, personal injury, and litigation. They have had many success stories for clients over the last 18 years, with the largest case achieving £7 million for a client who suffered significant brain damage.
Ruth brings with her a niche specialism within the litigation sector, acting for prison officers fighting for justice and gaining a reputation for her knowledge and expertise in claims against the Ministry of Justice. Cooklaw has also welcomed solicitor Tracy Farman, who brings further depth and strength to this team. Tracy boasts 36 years of essential experience, including many years in cases involving clinical negligence, traffic accidents, and product liability.
On the firm’s newly announced service, Director Ruth commented: “I am grateful to Cooklaw Solicitors for a fantastic opportunity to join the team as a Director. It is an exciting time for the firm to introduce new specialisms to the practice of Negligence, Personal Injury and general litigation. The firm is a vibrant, friendly and great place to work. Thank you to everyone in the firm who welcomed the new team.” Solicitor Tracy added: “I am excited to join Cooklaw and look forward to contributing to Cooklaw’s continued success. Everyone has made me feel very welcome.”
They have had many success stories for clients over the last 18 years, with the largest case achieving £7 million for a client who suffered significant brain damage
Lee Gilder, Director and Head of Residential & Commercial Property for Cooklaw Solicitors, welcomed the new home and team members, concluding: “It is such an exciting time for the firm. With the addition of a new discipline to the firm’s service offering and the organic expansion across the firm’s wider departments, it was time to move to premises that would be the new heart and soul of all that we do and offer. We are going from strength to strength as we do not plan on slowing down. Our growth is all organic and comes from the exceptional services we provide to our clients’ time and time again.”
For more information on Cooklaw Solicitors, visit their website.