Full-service law firm responds to operators’ overwhelming need for specialist legal advice in heavily regulated sector.

The full-service law firm JMW Solicitors has launched a specialist commercial road transport team with the recruitment of two partners who are highly regarded leading lawyers in the sector.

Laura Hadzik and Scott Bell have each been appointed partner and co-head of the new team. They bring with them more than 30 years’ combined experience advising commercial vehicle operators of all sizes across the haulage, coach and bus sectors on the licensing and regulation of commercial vehicles.

The move to JMW is something of a homecoming for Laura, as some years ago she was a senior associate with the firm. “I’m so pleased to return to JMW,” she said. “There’s no other law firm quite like it: it has a unique culture that respects and promotes entrepreneurial spirit, and I know our new offering will be welcomed by many clients”. 

“Commercial road transport is the lifeblood of the UK economy; however, the logistics and passenger transport sectors are incredibly heavily regulated to protect road safety and harmonise competition - expert legal advice is key to finding the way through the many layers of legislation and guidance whilst allowing operators to focus on actually managing their business.” 

Scott added: “We’re looking forward to continuing to provide clients across the country with our market-leading offering. There are many challenges facing the sector, from alternative fuels to the acute and ongoing driving and maintenance skills shortage. With our industry expertise and sound understanding of the operational needs of the sector, we will be able to help clients navigate these complex issues.”

Laura and Scott will be supported in their new roles by the expertise and experience of JMW’s existing team including Graham Small, Derek Millard-Smith, Paddy Boyers, Hojol Uddin and Charles Stansfield as well as the wider full-service offering that JMW can provide to support clients’ business needs nationwide. 

Managing partner Marc Yaffe said: “We are seeing sustained demand from the commercial road transport sector as operators adapt to the constantly changing environment in which they work. We are known for our ability to attract the best legal talent and so it is a great pleasure to welcome two such high calibre recruits as Laura and Scott to JMW. I am confident they will be a huge asset to the firm.”

L-R Patrick Boyers, Laura Hadzik, Scott Bell and Hojol Uddin