Well-known solicitor retires from family law firm after 45 years
One of the West Midlands’ best-known solicitors is stepping down from his family firm after a career lasting 45 years.
Matthew Horton is retiring from Worcestershire firm, Thomas Horton, which was founded by his great-grandfather more than 150 years ago.
John Robeson Horton helped to establish Scott and Horton Solicitors in Bromsgrove in 1867. In the early 1900s, as the practice passed from father to son, the Scott and Horton families parted company and Thomas Horton and Sons was formed.
During the mid-1900s the firm was passed again from father to two sons, John and Christopher, and in 1972, at the age of 23, Matthew joined the practice as assistant solicitor to his father John, and uncle, Christopher. The firm has been his life’s work, having graduated to partner, managing partner, chairman and, most recently, consultant.
Now called Thomas Horton, the practice has occupied its prominent position at Strand House in Bromsgrove’s town centre since 1986 and has subsequently opened offices in Barnt Green, Worcester and Redditch, as well as a further office opposite Strand House.
Mr Horton, now 68, said: “It has been both a daunting and enriching experience taking on the mantel of the practice; carrying responsibility for all that was learnt and established over three lifetimes and represented by the family name.
“I am proud and humble to be the fourth generation of the Hortons and to have been of service to our community. It has been a journey of great privilege and one made all the more fulfilling and memorable for having shared it with loyal and supportive clients, staff, fellow professionals and advisers.”
The high regard in which he is held has seen him serve as a former president of both the Worcestershire and the West Midlands law societies, as well as being a long-standing council member of the Birmingham Law Society.
Outside of the firm, the Horton family has played a pivotal role within the Bromsgrove community, with Mr Horton holding key positions within Bromsgrove Court Leet and as chairman of the governors at Bromsgrove School.
He will continue his role as a Trustee of the Thomas White Cottage Homes on New Road, and as chairman of the Bromsgrove School Foundation, which sources scholarships and bursaries to enable less privileged students to attend the school.
He will, however, be retiring from the David Morgan Music Trust, which encourages children in Bromsgrove district to access and enjoy music.
However, he is set to be the last member of the Horton dynasty to head the firm.
He said: “Just as my great-grandfather, John, sidestepped his usual family occupation of medicine to go into law, my children chose not to follow me into law but to find their own paths. I am extremely proud of their independent choices, and so I leave Thomas Horton in the capable hands of the managing partners, in the hope and expectation that those remaining colleagues will continue to provide the care, expertise and service that has been synonymous with the Horton name for over 150 years. I wish them all well in the continuation of the firm.”
