Walker Foster Solicitors, one of Yorkshire’s longest-established independent law firms, has unveiled a new board of directors and department restructure as it enters its 107th year, signalling a deliberate shift towards growth strategy.
The changes follow the retirement of equity directors Stuart Rowland and Keith Hardington on 31 March 2026, whose 45 and 26 years of service respectively represent a combined 71-year chapter in the firm’s history. Rather than simply filling the vacancies left behind, Walker Foster has taken the opportunity to build a broader, more diverse leadership structure that expands its board from two equity directors to a six-strong team spanning three tiers.
At the helm, Maxine Heppenstall continues as Managing Director – a role she has held full-time for the last three years – alongside Ian Haynes, Head of Residential Conveyancing, as Equity Directors. Both bring deep institutional knowledge: Maxine is now in her 20th year with the firm, Ian his 10th. Joining them at executive level are Craig Williams, who established and leads the firm’s Harrogate office, and Jayne Schofield, Head of Operations and head of the Skipton office, who steps up to Executive Director after 13 years with Walker Foster.
Two further appointments complete the board. Katie Ingham, Head of Private Client, and Sara Rutter, Head of Family Law, have both stepped into Director roles, with Sara heading the firm’s Northallerton office. The restructure also sees Walker Foster merge its Corporate and Commercial Property departments into a unified Corporate & Commercial offering, led by Craig Williams.
The board changes are accompanied by a wider investment in senior talent. Robina Hussein joined the firm in March 2026 as Head of Litigation, further extending Walker Foster’s capacity to serve business and private clients across the region.
Maxine Heppenstall, Managing Director, said:
I would like to thank our two retiring directors, Stuart and Keith, for an exceptional combined 71 years of service to Walker Foster.
Their leadership, professionalism and commitment over the years have played a significant role in the firm’s development and continued success.
The appointment of new directors further strengthens our Board, ensuring continuity of leadership and bringing additional perspective and expertise as we focus on the firm’s long-term growth and the evolving needs of our clients.
Reflecting on his 26 years at the firm, Keith Hardington said:
I take this opportunity to say thank you to all who have been on the journey, and particularly to those who have had such a positive impact on Walker Foster and our colleagues over the years.
I wish you all success for the future.
Stuart Rowland added:
It is with a mixture of joy, relief and a hint of panic that I bid you farewell, after over 40 years with Walker Foster.
In that time I have had the privilege of working with many fantastic and talented colleagues – firstly in Barnoldswick and then in Silsden.
Thank you for making my time here so memorable. I will always look back with a smile.
Walker Foster operates from offices in Skipton, Harrogate, Ilkley, Settle, Northallerton, Silsden and Barnoldswick, serving individuals and businesses across Yorkshire and the surrounding region.
