The future is bright for law firm Beers LLP
Solicitors Beers LLP are looking to the future, with the appointment of a new partner and managing partner.
Beers LLP, which has offices on Sutton Harbour in Plymouth and in Fore Street, Kingsbridge, says the changes will help the firm to continue its growth in the decades ahead.
James Canning steps up from partner to managing partner and Beers solicitor Sonia Hems becomes the seventh partner. Michael Hasler, who steps down as managing partner but continues as senior partner, said that introducing fresh faces now was an important part of the firm’s forward planning.
“James and Sonia are young solicitors and it is essential to have young people coming into the business, with a view to growing and developing the firm now and in the years ahead,” he said. “At the same time, experience and expertise is still available. I’ve been here since 1991 and I’m still here to offer support and guidance if needed.
“Our business has grown quite considerably in the last couple of years,” he added. “We have been exceptionally busy and we are recruiting at both offices. We want to keep that momentum going and these changes provide us with the continuity to do that.”
James is in his second spell with the firm having spent two years at Beers in 2002-2004 before returning in 2010. He said he was “delighted” to be the new managing partner and added: “We are putting in the foundations for the next 20 years while maintaining the excellent services our clients expect.”
Sonia joined Beers seven years ago and qualified as a legal executive in 2009. She has since qualified as a solicitor, and has specialised in private client work since she started in the profession. “Becoming a partner in a well-respected firm is something I’ve consistently worked towards” she said.
“Beers encourages career progression, and I’m an example of that. I look forward to developing my career further within the partnership.”
Sonia is looking forward to bringing a woman’s touch back to the partnership and added: “Beers is a wonderful place to work. People stay here or if they leave, they very often return.”
James and Sonia take up their new roles from 1 April.
Beers LLP has approaching 50 staff and has clients across Plymouth, the South Hams and nationally.
This year marks the firm’s 130th anniversary and there was extra cause for celebration when it was named in the 2015 Legal 500 – a guide to the nation’s top lawyers, with partners Richard Jones (commercial and agricultural property) and Paul Housego (employment) recognised as leaders in their fields.
