Penny Manock: Celebrating 40 years of commitment, expertise and service

This is a particularly special year for Wilkinson Woodward. Alongside our 140^th anniversary, we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years since one of our longest-serving colleagues, Penny Manock, joined the firm.

Born and raised in Halifax, Penny joined Wilkinson Woodward in 1986 as an articled clerk, launching a career that would see her become one of the region’s most respected family lawyers. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1988, Penny chose to specialise in family law and has remained dedicated to the field ever since.

In 1991, she became the firm’s first female partner. Since then, Penny has played a leading role in developing Wilkinson Woodward’s offering, helping to establish the firm as home to the largest Family Law team in Calderdale to support clients through some of the most challenging and significant moments in their lives.

Penny has also been at the forefront of alternative approaches to resolving family disputes. In 1996, she qualified as a family mediator, enabling Wilkinson Woodward to become the first legal practice in Calderdale to offer a mediation service.

For the past 35 years, Penny has headed up our Family Law team from our Halifax office, drawing on her extensive experience to support clients through complex divorce settlements, including those involving high-net-worth individuals.

Throughout her career, Penny has remained focused not just on the legal issues surrounding relationship breakdown, but on the people involved. She understands the emotional impact that family disputes can have and works closely with clients to help them navigate what can be an extremely difficult period as smoothly and constructively as possible. That approach is consistently reflected in feedback from clients, who describe Penny as considerate, kind and objective.

“Penny has been such an important part of Wilkinson Woodward for the past four decades, and her commitment to both her clients and the firm is something we greatly value,” says Managing Director Laura Kurowski. “She has helped shape our Family Law team into what it is today, while continuing to bring enormous experience, commitment and service to clients and the local community. It is wonderful to be celebrating this remarkable achievement with her.”

As Penny marks this incredible professional milestone, she will also be taking on a personal challenge. In October, she’ll be hiking the Inca Trail – walking for five consecutive days at altitude and covering a total distance of approximately 55km – to raise funds for Overgate Hospice.

“After four decades of supporting clients through some of life’s most challenging moments, it seems only fitting that Penny should mark the occasion by taking on a challenge of her own. We wish her every success on the Inca Trail and in the next chapter of her remarkable career,” concludes Laura.