Partnership changes

Estate Planning and Tax expertise

Clare Hopkins, previously a GL Associate, has been made a 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 qualified in 1995, and joined Gregg Latchams during the merger with Wadge Rapps and Hunt.

Commercial Property Specialist

Another new partner is Julian Pyrke, who specialises in commercial property matters, in particular:

• Landlord and Tenant work
• Commercial Development of business parks
• Acquisition and Disposals of Property
• Secured Lending for both institutional lenders and private investors

Julian 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.

Residential Property changes

At the end of March we will bid a sad farewell to Barbara Hunt, who has been partner in charge of the residential property department. 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  team 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.