Tyne Valley solicitor bids farewell after 42 years

A respected solicitor from the Tyne Valley has retired after more than four decades of service. 

Richard Nelson, a prominent figure in the North East, dedicated 42 years to Nicholson Portnell and its predecessors, becoming a cornerstone of the firm’s growth.

Richard, who moved to Hexham in 1982 to train with Portnell Ward & Rose, was instrumental in the firm’s evolution, including its 2002 rebranding and the 2024 merger with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors. 

He said: “Articles, or training contracts, were hard to come by when I finished university, but I saw an advert in the Law Society Gazette for a trainee position at PWR. 

“My grandmother was from Whitley Chapel, so I thought at the very least it would be nice to visit Hexham again for the interview.

“I ended up getting the job and I was made a junior partner within four years. 

It was from that point that I knew I didn’t want to move away from the firm or the area, and I can honestly say that there’s never been a time when I wanted to work elsewhere.

“You are never going to go through your working life without experiencing some tough times, but I have loved my time representing the people of Hexham and the wider Tyne Valley, and it’s been the perfect place to live, work and raise my family.”

A familiar presence in the community, Richard also contributed to Hexham Rotary Club, serving as president in 2016-17. 

In retirement, Richard plans to travel, enjoy gardening and spend more time with his five grandchildren.

He added: “I am incredibly proud with the long association I have had with Nicholson Portnell and its earlier iteration of PWR, because the firm has grown considerably over the past four decades while overcoming some major challenges, especially the credit crunch of 2007-2008 and Covid in 2020.

“Inevitably at the end of your career, you might worry about your clients, colleagues and staff but we have ensured everybody is in safe hands thanks to the amalgamation with Cartmell Shepherd.”

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