Clare Hopkins, previously an Associate in the firm, has recently been made a Partner. She becomes partner in charge of the Estate Planning and Tax department. Michael Rapps will continue as a Partner in the department with his specialisation in trust and tax planning matters, whilst having wider responsibilities in the firm. He commented “I am very pleased that Clare’s abilities have been recognised in the partnership. Already she and Associate Andy Wareham have brought new ideas and drive to the services we provide for private clients”. Clare, who qualified in 1995, joined Gregg Latchams when Wadge Rapps and Hunt, where she had previously worked as an assistant solicitor since 2000, merged into the firm.

Also Joining the partnership is Julian Pyrke, who specialises in commercial property matters and acts for a number of corporate entities and individual clients in relation to commercial property matters, both sales/purchases and leases. Julian qualified in 1994 and joins the firm from BPE Solicitors, where he was also a partner. He will also be involved in the firm’s developing “green law” sector, as well as taking forward his own knowledge of the retail sector.

At the end of March the firm will bid a sad farewell to Barbara Hunt, who has been partner in charge of the residential property. Barbara was another “import” from Wadge Rapps and Hunt where she was one of the founding partners. Barbara says that although she will miss day to day contact with the firm, retirement will give her the opportunity “to fill my time with the very many things I have always wanted to do, but never had time for”. She will also continue to do some consultancy work with the firm, so contact will not be lost. After Barbara leaves the residential property department will be headed by Sue Rzeznicki who joined the firm with her from WRH. We hope that you will join with us in wishing Barbara well in her new life.