John Baddeley is stepping down as chairman of Wake Smith Solicitors to undertake the role of high sheriff of South Yorkshire, marking a significant career transition.
- After 36 years at Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors, Baddeley will assume his new ceremonial duties from 8 April this year.
- Neil Salter, a veteran at Wake Smith for 29 years, will take over as chairman effective 1 January.
- Paul Gibbon and Rebecca Robinson are stepping into influential roles within Wake Smith as part of the leadership restructuring.
- The role of high sheriff is steeped in history, evolving to focus primarily on ceremonial and community functions.
John Baddeley is set to leave his position as chairman, shareholder, and director at Wake Smith Solicitors to become the high sheriff of South Yorkshire. This transition marks the end of a distinguished 36-year tenure at the Sheffield-based firm. He is to commence his ceremonial role on 8 April, dedicating a year exclusively to his duties as high sheriff.
In the wake of Baddeley’s departure, the firm will see Neil Salter stepping up as the new chairman effective from 1 January. Salter’s journey at Wake Smith spans 29 years, during which he has climbed the ranks to equity partner, director, and shareholder.
Further changes within the firm include the appointment of Paul Gibbon to the management board and the promotion of director Rebecca Robinson to the head of the corporate team from 1 April.
Baddeley expressed his honour at being chosen for the high sheriff position, acknowledging the difficulty in leaving Wake Smith but recognising the prestige of his new role: ‘I am very proud to be taking up the role as the high sheriff of South Yorkshire. My decision to leave Wake Smith has been an incredibly difficult one; however, the office of high sheriff is a high honour and it is an immense privilege to be selected. I hand over the role of chairman in Neil Salter’s capable hands. I wish him all the best in his new role.’
Neil Salter praised Baddeley’s contributions, expressing that his appointment as high sheriff is a testament to his esteemed status in the city and within the firm. Salter stated, ‘John being chosen as high sheriff is a remarkable recognition of his profile in the city, and to an extent, that of Wake Smith. Sadly for us, John will be stepping down from the firm whilst he undertakes his duties, as he will be spending substantial amounts of time with the judiciary, and this has the potential for a conflict of interest.’ He further suggested the possibility of Baddeley’s return post his tenure as high sheriff.
The role of high sheriff is traditionally a non-political royal appointment, with responsibilities that have evolved significantly over time. Now primarily ceremonial, it involves supporting crime prevention agencies, the emergency services, and the voluntary sector. Each English and Welsh county appoints a high sheriff annually, a practice dating back before the Norman conquest.
John Baddeley’s appointment as high sheriff of South Yorkshire heralds a new chapter in his career, as he leaves an indelible mark on Wake Smith Solicitors.
