Elizabeth Ward
Founding Director and IP Solicitor
Elizabeth Ward is the Founder and Principal of Virtuoso Legal, having established the firm in 2007. Elizabeth has operated as a leading international intellectual property solicitor for over 30 years.
Elizabeth has an academic background in science and prior to founding Virtuoso Legal worked for a number of international law firms where she specialised exclusively in IP.
Elizabeth did note, however, that intellectual property was neglected within larger firms and that there was an opportunity for a commercially-focused and technical IP specialist practise to enter the market.
Elizabeth now leads a team of uniquely talented specialists who offer some of the most straight-forward, transparent and impactful intellectual property strategy available today.
Elizabeth has been sought after for comment on intellectual property issues from the BBC, Forbes and MSNBC.
- Consecutively ranked as “Leader in their Field” by Chambers and Partners for over a decade
- Recognised by media outlets such as the BBC and Forbes as a “go-to” IP expert
- Owner of Bonnie, the office dog and Virtuoso Legal official mascot
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Ross Hood
Registered Foreign Lawyer
Ross earned his stripes as a young lawyer while gaining invaluable experience with top Scottish firms Brodies, Bird Semple, McGrigor Donald and corporate law specialists Dickson Minto before branching out in his own firm Hood Dunlop, which he ran for seven years, latterly from his office in Edinburgh’s prestigious Charlotte Square.
Head-hunted by Scottish firm Morisons during the late 1990s, he reached the top of his profession in Corporate Practice as their Senior Partner in Corporate Law, before leaving to concentrate on providing a more focused, advisory service to a smaller number of businesses.
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Jordan Davies
Senior Associate Solicitor
Jordan Davies is an associate solicitor who helps drive forward the firm's IP dispute caseload - as well as overseeing the work of the junior members of the team.
Jordan trained as a solicitor with the team from 2017 to 2019, then continued her development at a series of other firms before rejoining the team in 2022 as an associate.
During this time, Jordan has assisted a whole host of businesses from startups to global players with maximising the value of their IP.
- Worked on notable VL cases during her training, including Invista v VideraBio and Glencairn v Dartington Crystal
- Jordan received a first-class LLB and a distinction in her MA in Law focused on IP.
- Proud owner of Katie, the French bulldog.
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Chanel Jones
Trainee Solicitor
Chanel brings a wealth of experience to the Intellectual Property team at VL.
Beginning her journey as a paralegal in Leeds, she moved back to her hometown of Manchester to start working in a boutique corporate team. She then ventured to Sydney, Australia where she expanded her legal skills in the sunny jurisdiction, working on more commercial disputes, real estate and corporate transactions.
Fueled by a passion for art, music, creativity and innovation, Chanel has found her niche in IP law. Aiming to specialise in protecting the dynamic worlds of music, fashion, and art. Drawing from her extensive experience as a paralegal in various firms, she is committed to delivering timely support and guidance to clients at VL.
She enjoys attending gigs and eating a plethora of cuisines in her spare time.
- Chanel's Masters degree from Leeds Beckett University focused on Intellectual Property Law in the fashion industry.
- Chanel is passionate about music with a growing vinyl collection.
- Chanel is a keen foodie and enjoys trying new places to eat.
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Sarvenaz Naeli
Trainee Solicitor
Sarvenaz is a law enthusiast, she enjoys working on complicated legal issues and in a parallel world, she would be a Kim Wexler or an Erin Brockovich.
She successfully completed her bachelor of law in 2019. She became interested in intellectual property during a summer course hence she studied her masters in Intellectual Property Law at University of Leeds in 2021.
She has a diverse legal background, from Immigration and Family Law to Property and Conveyancing and she is now focused on learning all there is in Intellectual Property.
She is an SQE Candidate, and most of her time outside office is allocated to studies, but during the little time she gets, she likes to cook and learn Spanish.
- Sarvenaz studied for her Masters in Intellectual Property Law at Leeds University, completing her studies in 2021.
- Sarvenaz speaks Persian and English, and a bit of Turkish.
- While living at home Sarvenaz had cats as pets and is looking forward to getting another after moving to the UK.
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Chris Thompson
Finance Manager
Chris Thompson joined Virtuoso Legal in 2018 as the firm’s Finance Manager. Chris also assists the team in a range of other ways, in a broader general problem-solving capacity. Chris is beloved by the team for his “can do” attitude and positive outlook.
- Experienced background in printing for the legal sector, handling a range of confidential documents and collateral for law firms with a keen eye for detail.
- Currently undergoing an online degree in Computer Science at the OU.
- Over 6ft tall and currently training in Jiu Jitsu (a gentle giant, not to be messed with!)
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Joe Foote
TRADE MARK CONSULTANT
Joe has been part of the team at Virtuoso since July 2023, coming to us all the way from New Zealand. He finds it very funny when people tell him that’s a long commute. Joe is a Registered Foreign Lawyer and is admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. He completed his LLB at Victoria University of Wellington and has since developed passion in trade mark law.
In his spare time Joe is always outdoors. He's very into his cricket, golf and loves heading into the Yorkshire Dales.
Joe is not used to living inland, he once swan in the ocean for every day for a year.
- Joe completed his LLB from the Victoria University of Wellington, following along from this he has completed his NZ professional legal studies course and awaits admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand
- Joe feels very at home in Yorkshire, everyone he meets loves cricket, golf and rugby.
- Joe is not used to living inland, he once swam in the ocean everyday for a year.
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Maria Hodgson
Client Relationship Manager
Maria is Virtuoso Legal's client relationship manager, engaging with our clients on a day to day basis to make sure that they are looked after to the highest standard. Maria has worked in the legal profession for 39 years, with a raft of experience in trade mark formalities and maintenance working for large IP firms.
- In her spare time Maria is passionate about charity fund raising, supporting her local community and caring for her family.
- Strong track record in going above and beyond expectations for her clients.
- Powerful communicator with a host of experience working for small and large clients worldwide.
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August Smith
Receptionist
August is Virtuoso Legal's cheerful receptionist. She looks after our phone calls and is the first point of contact for anyone giving our office a ring. August loves connecting with our clients and makes sure our callers get through to the right member of staff.
- August has over 10 years customer service and receptionist experience
- She's previously supported both small and large businesses.
- Outside of work, August enjoys cooking and watching films.
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Martin Douglas Hendry
MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Martin devises innovative communication and business development strategies to help businesses in need of IP expertise connect with Virtuoso Legal.
He has an academic background in design, media production and psychology. Martin is also a qualified wine expert and tasting enthusiast.
- PhD from University of Leeds (2016), researching how smartphones have changed how people use photography
- Hobbyist conceptual photographer, enjoys jazz music, and long-distance runner
- Martin is a life-long supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, which he has found to be a character building experience!
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