Law firm announces new managing partner

One of the region’s leading law firms will have a new managing partner as it heads into 2022.

Phil Wilding will take the helm at Wright Hassall after Sarah Perry – who has been in the role for the past six years – announced her decision to step down.

Perry, who has been with Wright Hassall for 32 years and rose from trainee to be one of the first female managing partners of a major law firm, will leave at the end of the year.

Wildling has been with the firm for 10 years as a partner and head of debt collection.

For the past two years he has overseen the employment, commercial, litigation, business immigration, private client, debt recovery, matrimonial and corporate teams.

He said: “I would like to put on record Wright Hassall’s gratitude to Sarah for her service over such a long period of time. To have risen from trainee to become Managing Partner is a huge achievement and a testament to her abilities and determination.

“I am immensely proud to have been asked to take on the role at what is such a crucial time for Wright Hassall. We are celebrating our 175th anniversary, have a hugely talented team and, are extremely well placed to grow the business.

“The Wright Hassall team has worked tirelessly through what has been a testing time for all, and I would like to thank them for their dedication.”

Peter Lowe will become senior partner while Nick Abell will continue in his role as chairman of the firm.

Perry said: “I have been very proud to have worked for Wright Hassall, to have led the firm for the last six years and for the firm to have achieved so much. I am very grateful for all the support I have received from everyone across the firm which has allowed us to do some great things.”