Lawyer retires as next generation steps up

A well-known Shropshire lawyer will retire next month after almost five decades in the legal profession.

Commercial property expert Michael Payne is set to retire as a partner at law firm mfg Solicitors after a career which has spanned 48 years – spending nearly 40 years with the law firm and its predecessor.

Payne began his career at Shrewsbury Borough Council in 1973, qualifying as a solicitor in 1983. He then joined historic law firm Gwynne & Sons in the same year and rose through the ranks to become a partner in 1984.

Gwynne & Sons merged with Morton Fisher in 2005 to become mfg Solicitors, with Payne, who has been based in the Telford Office since 1999, becoming a partner of the firm.

Payne will be succeeded by David Raymont, who will work alongside solicitors Andy Ward and Matthew Allen across the firm’s Shropshire offices in Telford and Ludlow.

Payne said: “I have spent nearly 40 years with the firm and enjoyed playing a key role as it has evolved into a truly nationally respected legal practice across all specialisms.

“Our commercial property department is busier than ever but we have built a superb, first-rate team over the past few years. Having such a huge amount of talent has made the decision to retire much easier for me as I know with David and the team, our clients will be in very safe hands.”

Maynard Burton, partner and chairman at mfg Solicitors added: “Michael has been a key architect in the history and progress of mfg Solicitors and he leaves a huge legacy.

“He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and his clients and I would like to place on record again how thankful we are for his friendship, professionalism and superb advice over so many years. We wish him and his family well for the future.”

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