Eversheds’ Leeds and Manchester head of property and deputy office head John Moody was found dead at his home in Cheshire earlier this month.

Local police said that there were no suspicious circumstances, although an inquest into the death is expected to be held. Eversheds’ national managing partner David Ansbro said: “We are deeply saddened by John’s death. John joined Eversheds in 1990 and had been an integral member of the firm ever since. He was a highly respected friend and colleague and was recognised as one of the leading property lawyers in the north of England.”