Law firm names former professional footballer as senior partner

A former professional footballer has been named as the new senior partner at a law firm.

Chris Grocock, head of recoveries and member of the management team at Wilkin Chapman, is a former player for Grimsby Town. He has been with Wilkin Chapman for 34 years and is succeeding Andrew Holt who is stepping aside after six years in the role. Holt will continue as a partner in the dispute resolution team.

Before joining Wilkin Chapman in 1989 and later qualifying as a solicitor, Grocock played for the Mariners. After making his Football League debut whilst still at school he enjoyed two full seasons with the club before making the transition from football to law.

Grocock said: “I’m delighted to be taking over the role from my colleague Andrew, who has helped to steer the business through a very successful period notwithstanding an especially turbulent economic climate, navigating the challenges of covid and the cost-of-living crisis.

“The role of senior partner is to provide leadership and to be an ambassador for our firm. I’ll be working alongside our chief executive officer, Robin Simmonds to help drive the business strategy forward as well as supporting our people and maintaining relationships with our clients and contacts.”

Holt added: “Chris is a natural successor, having proven leadership and management qualities. Over the last 30 years we have spent time together, he’s shown to be a people person through and through. Chris already has the trust and confidence of over 420 free-thinking people within the business. He will engender that same trust and confidence of our client base, referrers and stakeholders. I have every confidence that Chris will excel in the role of senior partner and the business will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Simmonds said: “I have worked with Chris for the last three years in his capacity as a member of our management team and I have no doubt he will be an exceptional senior partner for Wilkin Chapman. I look forward to working with Chris to drive our strategy forwards and achieve the ambitious goals we have set ourselves.”