Partner moves: Law firm sees 40-year corporate veteran retire; new partner appointment to Leeds office and trio of hires at BHP

A hlw Keeble Hawson partner with 40 years’ experience has retired from the profession.

Corporate partner Chris Wilson retires this week, more than four decades after first qualifying.

Wilson began his career predominantly practicing divorce and criminal law at Sheffield-based Russell & Creswick where he became senior partner

He remained with the firm through its 2005 merger with hlw, and its subsequent merger with Keeble Hawson in 2011.

He has spent over two decades advising the region’s SMEs on acquisitions and disposals, management buy outs, management buy ins and shareholder agreements.

A rugby enthusiast, Chris was president of Sheffield Rugby Club from 2012-2014 where he is a member and a former player.

He said: “The legal landscape has undergone far-reaching changes – both technological and in the way lawyers provide legal services – since I embarked on my career. I’ve enjoyed making a positive contribution to hlw Keeble Hawson’s development and wish the firm every success as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

hlw Keeble Hawson managing partner, Paul Trudgill, said: “Chris is highly respected as a talented and approachable lawyer who has been instrumental to the development of our corporate team – one of the largest of its kind in the region. He will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

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Freeths have announced the promotion of Philip Meyers to partner.

Meyers joined Freeths in 2015 and the firm said he has played a “pivotal role” in its growth.

He advises on a full range of contentious property matters on behalf of developers, public sector, retail, and corporate occupiers in relation to all aspects of commercial property work at both a regional and national level.

John May, managing partner for the Leeds office, said: ”We are pleased to announce Phil’s promotion to Partner, which recognises his commitment to his team and the office. Phil has a wealth of experience in litigation issues and is a great asset to us, so all of us at Freeths congratulate him.”

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Andy Haigh, Tony Chapman and Ann Brown.

BHP Chartered Accountants has recruited a trio of partners.

Tony Chapman has joined BHP to lead the firm’s risk services practice providing forensic accountancy, fraud and financial risk management, covenant assessment and financial risk assurance activities working with clients and intermediaries.

He brings more than 30 years’ experience of litigation support, financial investigations, corporate finance and financial risk management activities from previous roles in major accounting firms and from within an international law firm.

Ann Brown has worked within the audit and accounts team of BHP’s Bradford office for 21 years. Her client portfolio covers owner-managed businesses operating across all sectors and industries, and specialisms cover retail, recruitment agencies and manufacturing.
Andy Haigh specialises in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance. He joined the Leeds office of BHP five years ago from a national firm.

John Warner, managing partner, said: “Tony, Ann and Andy all have a vast amount of industry knowledge in their specialist areas, and are well-liked and respected within the business community. Bringing them into the business is a reflection of their success and hard work, and all three are much-valued members of our team.”

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