Member Article

Knights opens Chester office and adds partner

Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson has completed the transfer of its Chester office to Knights solicitors.

Knights, the UK’s first private equity backed commercial law firm, has also announced the appointment as partner of Richard Williams from Chester-based Walker Smith Way.

Mr Williams, a landed estates partner, is joining the Chester office of Knights, which also has branches in Cheltenham and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

He specialises in land law, renewable energy, high net worth conveyancing, wills and tax planning.

Sally Wightman, Chester office managing partner, said: “We are thrilled to make such an exciting announcement at the same time as the transfer of the office from Hill Dickinson to Knights.

“Richard further strengthens our private client team and is a well-known and well-respected member of the Chester business community.”

Mr Williams joins Knights at the beginning of growth plans to double the turnover and headcount of the Chester office in the next 12 months.

Knights is looking to recruit partners, associates and paralegals to supplement the practice.

David Beech, chief executive of Knights, said: “As with our Newcastle and Cheltenham offices our investment in Chester highlights Knights’ dedication to play a key role in the local business community ensuring business and jobs remain in the area.

“Being the first law firm to raise equity Knights is uniquely placed for substantial growth. We are looking for partners who may be disillusioned with the traditional partnership model, associates who perhaps feel their progression is limited and paralegals who are looking for a good head start.”

Hill Dickinson has recently revised its strategy to focus on growing its international profile.

Managing Partner Peter Jackson was “delighted” to find in Knights a firm able to take the Chester office into the future, being a “seamless fit for both parties” due to similarities in client base and services.

Hamilton Bradshaw, James Caan’s private equity house, invested in Knights in June last year – making Knights the UK’s first commercial law firm to receive private equity backing. Following this, the firm was granted its licence to operate as an ABS in January 2013

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .