A Bradford law firm continued its steady expansion today with the announcement of three new appointments, including two senior figures on the Yorkshire legal scene, who are joining as partners.

Schofield Sweeney, which was established in Bradford in 1998 and opened a new office in Leeds in 2003, now employs 93 people.

The company, which had a turnover of £5.3 million in 2009, took the bold decision to continue its growth strategy through the recession by using the downturn as an opportunity to recruit high-quality lawyers.

Richard Innes, a leading property lawyer who was previously with Walker Morris in Leeds for 28 years, will join Schofield Sweeney’s commercial property team.

Another senior lawyer, Chris Charlesworth, who grew up in Baildon and now lives in Menston, has joined as a partner specialising in resolving commercial disputes.

Catherine Rhodes, an Oxford graduate who lives in Horsforth, has joined as a solicitor in the property department.

Senior partner Chris Schofield said: “We are committed to growing the practice to meet our clients’ demands.

“I am delighted that lawyers of the calibre of Richard Innes, Chris Charlesworth and Catherine Rhodes are joining us.”