Richard Horwood joins Richard Gvero to lead Longmores
A new era has begun at Longmores this April. After a career spanning 40 years as a solicitor including 29 at Longmores and the last nine as the Joint Senior Partner, Chris Pease retired last month. Stepping into the Managing Partner role is Richard Horwood who will be leading the firm alongside Richard Gvero, Senior Partner.
Reflecting on his career, Chris said:
“After nearly 30 years I still count it as a stroke of massive good fortune to have arrived at Longmores and spent the rest of my career here. I believe that progressive independently-minded law firms dedicated to quality processes, great client experience and motivated and empowered teams can achieve so much and I also believe that together we have proved this. Longmores is in good hands. We have a strong, experienced and committed team who have Longmores in their veins and who I am sure will do a wonderful job.”
At Chris’ retirement party, Richard Gvero thanked him in a speech saying:
“We thank Chris’ whole-heartedly for his dedication to Longmores and his huge contribution to the firm’s success over the years; he should be very proud of the firm he leaves behind as he starts his richly deserved retirement.”
Richard Horwood now picks up the baton of change. As a member of the firm’s management committee for the past eight years, Richard is already immersed into the running of the firm. Commenting on Richard Horwood’s promotion, Richard Gvero said:
“Richard is a worthy successor to Chris and perfect for the new Managing Partner role. I am so looking forward to working with him as we drive our brilliant firm to new heights.”
Commenting on his new role, Richard Horwood said:
“I believe that listening will be the most important part of my role in order to support our colleagues, the firm and our clients into the future as we implement many exciting plans to take our firm forward. And I know that this firm’s future will be very bright.”
Together, Richard and Richard will lead the firm with plans to focus on sustainable growth, workplace culture and operational excellence. Technology, artificial intelligence and ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) are at the centre of many new plans. They are working on reinforcing the firm’s mission: to be the leading firm of choice in the region for clients and colleagues who value trusted relationships, deep expertise, and a culture of integrity, collaboration and excellence.
Long service is typical within Longmores and career development has enabled these successional changes to come from within the firm meaning other promotions are also being celebrated.
- Tracey Dargan, Head of Divorce and Family Law and a solicitor with over 30 years’ experience, has joined the firm’s management committee.
- Alastair Liddiard steps into the role as the Head of the Private Client team – the firm’s oldest practice area is in his capable hands with his 20 years of experience.
- Rachael Spalton who has been at Longmores for 11 of her 27 years as a solicitor, now leads the wider property team as well as continuing to head up the Commercial Property team.
- Karen Fletcher took over the running of Residential Property last year and knows the team and local market well after nine years in the team.
- Rebecca Bushell was promoted into the role of Practice Manager at the end of last year after eleven years at Longmores and great insight into the operational running of the firm through the various roles she has held.
Change has been integral to Longmores’ evolution since 1819. This new era of leadership has been a long time in the planning and is an example of not only celebrating history and milestones, but always looking to the future.
