Two new department heads have been announced at Bradford law firm as part of a refreshed senior leadership team.

JWP Solicitors has confirmed that Lois Monks will become head of care, Melissa Portlock will lead the family department, and Narinder Rathour will head up the criminal team.

Gareth Long, managing director at JWP Solicitors, said: “Lois, Melissa and Narinder have demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise throughout their careers with JWP Solicitors.

“These appointments recognise the confidence we have in them to lead their respective departments into the future.

“Developing people through the firm has always been a key part of our philosophy, and it is incredibly rewarding to see talented individuals progress into senior leadership roles.

“I have no doubt that all three will continue to build on the strong reputations of their departments.”

Ms Monks, who has been with the firm since 2012, steps into her new role as head of the care department from July 1, 2026.

Narinder Rathour will head up the criminal team (Image: JWP Solicitors)

Her career with JWP began as a trainee solicitor, and she is now a director at the firm.

She has been children panel accredited since 2018 and regularly represents children, parents, and family members in complex childcare and private law proceedings.

Ms Monks was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Business Power Awards in 2025 and was shortlisted for Partner of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.

Ms Portlock, who joined JWP Solicitors in 2022, becomes head of the family department.

She is a chartered legal executive litigator and holds a resolution accreditation for children and domestic abuse matters, which she obtained in September 2025.

Ms Portlock serves on the North, East, and West Yorkshire Resolution Committee and is known for her compassionate and professional approach to family law.

Mr Rathour, a salaried partner who has led the criminal department since March 2026, joined JWP Solicitors in 2018 following a long-established career in criminal law.

A High Court Advocate since 2010, he has worked on some of the most serious and complex criminal cases in the UK, including murder, terrorism, and international extradition.

JWP Solicitors, founded in 2000, has grown into one of Yorkshire’s leading multi-disciplinary law firms with offices across the region.

The latest appointments reflect the firm’s commitment to promoting talent from within and strengthening its leadership team to support future growth.