Baines Wilson LLP, the specialist commercial law firm based in Cumbria and Lancashire, is pleased to announce some internal changes and new appointments.
Firstly, John Wilson (pictured) has taken up a new role as Senior Consultant. John, who founded the firm in 1999, has been reducing his working days for a couple of years now, after having handed over his Managing Partner role to other partners and Head of Commercial to Andrew Hill.
John said:
“It’s hard to believe that it’s 30 years since I qualified as a solicitor and that this is the 20th year of business for Baines Wilson. I remember very well the first day of business in early January 1999; sitting in an office around 5am on my own wondering what on earth was going to happen!
Well fortunately a lot of exciting things did happen and the firm has come on a long way. We have exceptional lawyers, superb clients and, in my entirely biased opinion, one of the best commercial law practices in the North.
Personally, I decided a couple of years ago it was sensible to gradually reduce my fee earning/managerial roles and the number of days spent in the office. Having also taken an extended sabbatical, I now feel this change of role is a natural progression.
Of course, I’ll still be involved heavily with the firm but I’ll have more time to do other things like the business consultancy and advisory roles which I enjoy. I’m a non-executive at PFK plc and plan to carry on with that role and am considering a couple of other options. I also hope to get more involved with some local charities I have worked with before and likewise with sports and environmental bodies. As well as doing more fishing and fell walking!”
Secondly, the firm is also pleased to announce the expansion of its Commercial Property team with the addition of two new experienced commercial property solicitors.
Tony Lake has been appointed as a Consultant with the team. Tony is well known locally in both the business and legal communities, having previously been a Partner at Burnetts, and so brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Elizabeth Hore has been appointed as an Associate. After training locally Elizabeth joined Anderson Strathern in Edinburgh where she worked on a variety of commercial property matters including real estate management and renewable energy projects. Elizabeth returned to Carlisle and has most recently been working on significant commercial property projects with Carlisle City Council.
Sean Logue, Head of Commercial Property, comments:
“Tony and Elizabeth are both excellent additions to the firm and we are really pleased they have joined us. Our commercial property team has grown significantly over the last 10 years and we can now boast a team that in terms of size, experience and expertise can more than hold its own against the larger players in the North West and North East. Such a team allows us to serve the local business community in Cumbria and Lancashire, and to attract and retain high quality work that historically may have been undertaken out of the county.”
