Nik White, Managing Partner, left; Paul Godsmark, Partner, right
Purpose-led independent law firm Brabners has strengthened its financial services offering with the appointment of Paul Godsmark as partner in its Corporate Defence and Compliance team.
A specialist in non-contentious financial services regulation, with significant experience of the Financial Conduct Authority regulatory regime and a background in consumer finance, Paul joins the firm to help meet growing demand from businesses for strategic, practical and clear advice in a complex and ever-evolving financial services regulatory landscape.
With well over a decade of legal and operational experience in the regulated sector – gained in both leading private practice teams and in-house – Paul combines operational risk expertise with hands-on experience, supporting regulated businesses to strengthen governance, controls and compliance processes. Paul’s unique skillset and time in-house mean he is well-placed to understand clients’ objectives, and both appreciate and respond to the practical challenges that they can face.
In his new role, working principally out of Brabners’ Leeds office, Paul will enhance the firm’s support across the retail, corporate and banking client services sectors, as well as working with clients in the FCA regulated sector, from start-ups and SMEs to listed multinational entities.
His appointment reinforces Brabners’ broader strategic ambition to deliver client-centred, scalable growth across key markets both in the North and throughout the UK and reflects Brabners’ commitment to growing sector-led expertise that combines legal precision with practical insight. As a purpose-led firm and certified B Corp, Brabners continues to invest in multidisciplinary talent that strengthens its ability to make the difference for clients and communities alike.
Established in 1815, Brabners now has nearly 600 colleagues across four offices in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Lancashire. The firm has seen significant expansion in Yorkshire since opening its Leeds office at One City Square in 2022, growing its headcount to more than 60 colleagues. In 2025, it was named Firm of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards and recognised as the Best Large Company to Work for in Yorkshire.
Paul Godsmark, partner at Brabners, said: “The Corporate Defence and Compliance team at Brabners is a highly regarded and growing practice, and the wider firm has a market-leading Regulatory offering, which brings together deep sector insight, specialist regulatory expertise and a highly practical approach to delivery and risk management. That combination of technical excellence and real-world commercial understanding was a key factor in my decision to join the firm.
“Businesses operating in the regulated financial services sector are facing an increasingly complex and high-pressure environment, with heightened scrutiny and expectations around governance and outcomes. Against that backdrop, I am looking forward to working with the team to help further strengthen and expand Brabners’ financial services offering, supporting clients to navigate regulatory challenges confidently and achieve successful outcomes in fast-evolving landscape.”
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “Paul’s appointment reflects both the strength of our ambition in financial services and our commitment to attracting the best talent to deliver for our clients. His blend of in-house and private practice experience gives him a distinctive perspective that will support clients navigating complex and evolving regulatory challenges. As we continue to invest in regulated sectors, Paul’s arrival further enhances our ability to deliver legal advice with depth, commerciality and purpose.”
