HAPPENINGS IN HAMPSHIRE
Law firm appoints new managing partner Mike Watson
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rethowans, a leading South Coast law firm, has appointed a new managing partner.
Mike Watson, who has led the firm’s corporate team for more than 10 years and is part of the existing management board, takes on the position effective 1 April 2021. “I am proud to be appointed Trethowans’ new managing partner,” said Mike. “I have lots of positive ideas and initiatives for the firm, including enhancing our client service delivery by using market leading technology and continuing to attract the best legal talent, all whilst staying true to our roots and our culture. “We are heavily investing in our IT infrastructure to drive efficiencies for our clients. This will also ensure we continue to enable our lawyers to divide their time between the office and home beyond Covid-19. This will be the new norm and law firms need to embrace it.” The firm is also implementing a range of new wellbeing initiatives for staff, including an interactive wellbeing centre, where staff can access education, support and other tools to help with physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Mike emphasised: “Trethowans has a special culture, in which employees are given the freedom to operate autonomously where possible and made to feel part of, and instrumental in, the success of the firm. “Our continued growth in the last 12 months is down to each and every person at Trethowans and the ongoing support from our clients. The feeling of being part of a growing and successful law firm, where every person and client is valued, is one of the reasons I joined and why we appeal to aspiring lawyers across the South of England.” Recruitment will be a key objective for Trethowans. The firm is opening a new 2,000 square foot Winchester office in April and is actively seeking to appoint ten new lawyers across the property, family, private client and agricultural sectors. Former managing partner Chris Whiteley, who has been instrumental in leading Trethowans from strength to strength over his six-year tenure, will become senior partner and continue to work closely with Mike on the firm’s management board. He added: “Mike is dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable. Having worked with him for the last six years on the firm’s management board I am sure that he will do a fantastic job and wish him every success in his new role.” ■
Major new appointment for Trethowans
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rethowans, a leading law firm based in Hampshire, has appointed Steve Cole as its new head of banking and finance.
clients’ needs across a wide range of financial transactions. Our objective is to become the leading banking and finance practice on the south coast.
Steve’s recruitment represents a major statement by the firm, reflecting its continued commitment to the provision of dedicated banking and finance services to support its varied client base. As a leading banking and finance lawyer in the region, Steve has built an excellent reputation from advising on a broad range of complex financial transactions for banks, other institutional lenders and corporate borrowers, in a career spanning over 20 years.
He continued: “I joined Trethowans because I was in search of a fresh challenge and have always admired the firm’s strong sense of culture, dynamism and identity. I spoke to many people before accepting this position and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The team has been incredibly welcoming and I can’t wait to get started.”
Steve will lead the banking and finance practice at Trethowans, with responsibility for service delivery to existing clients, development of new business and management of a fastgrowing team. “Trethowans are building an enviable team of purebred banking and finance lawyers. I am delighted to join the firm at a key stage in its development to head up this area of the practice,” said Steve. “As a dedicated practice area, members of the team focus all of their time on banking and finance matters, which means we have the breadth of resources and expertise to support our
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Mike Watson, Trethowans’ managing partner, said: “Steve is one of the most pre-eminent banking lawyers in the south and his recruitment is testament to the continued investment we are making in our banking and finance practice.” Nick Gent, Trethowans’ recently appointed head of corporate, who was influential in bringing Steve to the firm, added: “Steve’s team will not just be servicing the needs of lenders and borrowers, it will support other areas of the firm that require banking and finance expertise as part of the robust, holistic service we provide to clients. Steve is highly capable and I am excited to be working with him.” ■
