Regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has appointed a record 19th Partner as it continues to grow.
It has strengthened its top team with Private Client specialist Richard Smith in its Wills, Trusts and Probate Department.
Richard – a former student at Corfe Hills School in Poole – has practised in Dorset throughout his 17-year legal career and is a trustee at Age Concern Christchurch.
Ellis Jones – with more than 160 staff – has offices in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.
Nigel Smith, Managing Partner, said: “Richard is a highly experienced and well-known lawyer who will be a valuable addition as Ellis Jones continues to grow in the coming years.
“His appointment brings the number of Partners to the highest in the firm’s history which is an achievement to be proud of, especially as so many have roots in the local area or started as trainees and have worked their way up.”
Richard graduated with a degree in Law from Exeter University. He is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Private Client section of the Law Society.
He said: “Ellis Jones is a great firm with a superb reputation and friendly staff who are a pleasure to work with.
“It is noticeable how the amount of Private Client work in wills and trusts has been increasing over the pandemic as people have had more time to reflect and get their affairs in order.
“I look forward to assisting many more individuals and families at Ellis Jones whether that is for wills, estate planning and powers of attorney or in other areas of private client work.”
Richard added: “Age Concern Christchurch is a charity very close to my heart, which does incredible work.
“It is important that these types of organisations receive as much as support as possible as every volunteer or fifty pence donated really counts.”
Ellis Jones’ Private Client, Wills Trusts and Probate and Family services are among the firm’s services to be recognised in the latest edition of the Legal 500 guide for 2022, which has just been published.