We are pleased to announce the promotion of Richard da Roza to Partner, strengthening our Insolvency & Restructuring team.

Since joining the firm in 2020, Richard has established himself as a highly regarded solicitor, with particular expertise in contentious insolvency litigation. He regularly acts for insolvency practitioners and litigation funders, helping to recover assets for the benefit of creditors and insolvent estates.

His promotion reflects both his technical expertise and the integral role he plays within a well-established and growing department.

The Insolvency & Restructuring team at KBL is led by Kathryn Maclennan, Partner and Head of Insolvency, who has over 20 years’ experience advising insolvency practitioners, debtors, directors and local authorities, as well as providing technical guidance to regulatory bodies and being a regular contributor to professional publications in the insolvency sector. Kathryn is an associate member of R3 (the Association of Business Recovery Professionals) and is soon to be appointed as a Trustee of The Debt Advice Foundation.

Working alongside Kathryn and Richard are solicitor Ryan Wacey, who trained and qualified at KBL, and Emma Threlfall, a graduate solicitor apprentice. The team is widely regarded for its niche insolvency work and depth of experience, attracting instructions from across the country while maintaining a strong foothold in the North West market.

KBL’s insolvency specialists advise on the full spectrum of corporate and personal insolvency matters, including bankruptcies, liquidations, individual voluntary arrangements and claims involving directors. The team is known for delivering precise, technically robust advice with a clear focus on commercially practical outcomes.

Speaking about his promotion, Richard said: “I am delighted, to say the least. We’ve developed a close-knit team with a strong reputation and it’s been a privilege to be part of that. Insolvency work is challenging, varied and certainly never dull, which is what makes it so rewarding. I’m looking forward to continuing to support our clients and driving things forward.”

Kathryn Maclennan added: “Richard’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. He has built an excellent reputation for his work in contentious insolvency and is a key part of the team. His appointment reflects the strength of our insolvency work and our ongoing commitment to investing in people and strengthening key areas of expertise.”

Founded over 40 years ago, KBL Solicitors is recognised as one of the North West’s leading law firms. With offices in Bolton and Blackburn, the firm offers a full range of legal services for individuals and businesses, combining city-centre expertise with a personal, cost-effective approach.