End of era as Walker Morris chief to step down

THE head of Walker Morris is stepping down after 24 years in management at the Big Six law firm.

Peter Smart, executive chairman for the last nine years, helped the Leeds law firm become a leading national player and one of the country's most profitable legal practices.

Mr Smart said: "I have been enormously proud to have been involved in the management and development of Walker Morris over such a long time, but now is the time for the next generation of partners to take the firm to new heights."

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Walker Morris said he has been a key figure in the firm's strategy of developing a national practice from a single site. Mr Smart, who reaches the firm's retirement age of 60 this year, will remain a partner in the corporate department until May 2011.

Andrew Turnbull, who is head of the pension group, has been elected non-executive chairman, while Ian Gilbert, a leading corporate lawyer, becomes managing partner.

Mr Gilbert said: "Peter has led the firm with great distinction, particularly over the last couple of challenging years and leaves his management role at a time when the firm is well placed to assist its clients to take advantage of the improving economy."

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