Wake Smith Solicitors’ chairman Nick Lambert has announced his retirement after nearly four decades in the law.
Commercial litigation solicitor Nick Lambert has been with the Sheffield law firm for 12 years since it merged with Tofields in 2007 and also supervised the incorporation of Wake Smith Solicitors Limited in 2015 and the successful city centre move for the firm in 2016.
Nick will retire from the company, and the law completely, at the end of April 2020 with corporate team director John Baddeley taking over as chairman in January 2020 and fellow litigator Elizabeth Shaw becoming head of the litigation department from December 2019.
A new litigation solicitor will also join the team in the new year to take on Nick’s workload.
John Baddeley, who was elected to succeed Nick as chairman, said: “Through all the challenges the firm has faced over many years, Nick has been a superb board member and has done an outstanding job as our Chairman in the last six years. I would personally like to thank him for all his hard work, huge energy and commitment, wishing him all the best as he retires.”
Property litigation and dispute resolution director Elizabeth Shaw added: “I greatly respect Nick for his commitment and sheer tenacity over the years. His determination, energy and passion for Wake Smith have been instrumental in making it the organisation it is today.”
Nick said: “I have been a practicing solicitor for over 36 years and it’s been a genuine privilege being at the heart of Wake Smith for 12 years and as chairman for six of those. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. It’s a good firm with good people and whilst there will always be bumps on the road as the legal sector continues to face different challenges, I know it will continue to prosper and flourish for a very long time to come.
“I wish John and Liz all the best in their new roles.
“I plan on enjoying my retirement away from the law, and although I will no longer be playing an active part, I’m sure I will watch with interest from afar to see how Wake Smith progresses.”
