6 minute read
Spotlight on Corporate Firm
Spotlight on Corporate Firm
Dutton Gregory Supports Charlie’s Cycle Challenge
Dutton Gregory Solicitors was delighted to support 8-year-old Charlie Collis in his 220-mile bike ride from Cornwall to Southampton in aid of Southampton Football Club’s ‘Saints Foundation’ over the summer.
Having been inspired by former Saints footballer, Sam McQueen’s Big Bike Challenge from Liverpool to Southampton, Charlie Collis undertook his own cycling feat last year, pedalling 85 miles from Bristol to St Mary’s Stadium in three and a half days.
This year, Charlie raised the stakes by preparing to ride two and half times his previous distance over five days, all in aid of the Saints Foundation.
“I am raising money in memory of my Grandad,’ says Charlie. ‘He was a massive Saints fan who died in 2011 and is buried in Charleston, Cornwall where I will start my challenge.’
When we heard Charlie’s story, we could not believe a boy his age had such ambition and determination,’ says Brianna Garley, Head of Dutton Gregory’s Charity Committee. “As supporters of the Saints Foundation, we were delighted to boost Charlie’s fundraising with a sponsorship donation.’
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/charlie-collis-1717359067285
or search for ‘Charlie Collis’ on www.justgiving.com
Dutton Gregory Charity Abseil
Lawyers are renowned for being risk averse, but not at Dutton Gregory Solicitors and College Chambers. A team of 20 lawyers took the plunge (thankfully none literally) in abseiling down the 115 meter Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise funds and awareness for Rose Road, a Southampton based children’s charity.
Teams from Dutton Gregory Solicitors, College Chambers and Rose Road took on the challenge in descending down the tower, and although they had glorious sunshine the cross winds kept them on their toes, and took some of them off their feet and the tower!
Emma Menzies, a Partner at Dutton Gregory and Head of the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence departments, and first to brave the abseil said, “It was a magnificent day for my colleagues and I to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower. The weather was glorious and the team spirit (The Rose Road Association, Dutton Gregory Solicitors and College Chambers) was incredible. And, to top it all off, we managed to raise a significant amount of money for this fabulous charity.”
Bethanie Lee, the Assistant Fundraising Manager for Rose Road commented on the day “Thank you so much to the 25 participants from Rose Road, Dutton Gregory and College Chambers who braved the 100 metre descent and abseiled Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower to raise money for Rose Road. It’s been a pleasure to meet and support them all with their fundraising, which allows us to keep our doors open and continue to support children and young people with complex disabilities, and their families, across Hampshire. It was such a fun day that helped raise not only vital funds for our charity, but an important awareness of the work we do and the need for our services.”
The team raised over £6,500 for the Rose Road charity, which provides direct care services, including overnight respite, community care and holiday and Saturday playschemes for children and young adults with complex physical and learning disabilities and their families, as well as SEN support and advice. Although based in Southampton the charity supports families from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties.
Dutton Gregory Family Team shortlisted for two national awards
The Family Team at Dutton Gregory Solicitors were shortlisted for two national awards at the Modern Law Private Client awards, being shortlisted for Family Law Team of the year, and Jon Whettingsteel family lawyer of the year.
Jon, who was highly commended in his category said, ‘being shortlisted for two national awards is a fantastic achievement, and shows how far this team have come in a relatively short time.’ Many of the team have joined the department in the last 18-24 months, including a merger with a firm in Woking, and I know this is only the beginning of even greater things. Even being shortlisted amongst such prestigious names was an achievement, but to be highly commended as family law of the year was a huge privilege.’
The awards took place at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool, and were hosted by Paul Sinha, best know from the television quiz show ‘The Chase’ and recognised the best from across the legal world in the areas of family and wills and probate law.
Promotions at Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Dutton Gregory Solicitors is delighted to announce several promotions across its offices to individuals who have contributed to the firm’s impressive growth and reach across the UK over the past year.
In the firm’s property team, Naomi Williams has been made Senior Associate for her introduction and care of new clients, and Tom Whatley has received a promotion to Associate Solicitor in recognition of his professional development and increasing specialist knowledge.
Two of the Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning specialists, Bronwyn White and Charlotte Cole have been promoted to Senior Associate and Associate Solicitor respectively for their support, focus and commitment to both clients and colleagues.
Elsewhere in the firm, Elizabeth Cooke-Smith and Elizabeth Eastley have been made Senior Associates in their respective departments of Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution. Both Elizabeths have made an impressive impact on clients and successfully built upon their network for contacts.
Finally, Shannon Montgomery has been made an Associate Solicitor of the Family Team for her client care, proactive representation of the firm at events and contributions online.
‘Whilst client service and legal practice are paramount, it is also the role of a successful law firm to support, nurture and provide opportunity to talented professionals,’ says Paul Sams, Managing Partner of Dutton Gregory Solicitors.
‘Every one of these individuals has earned their promotion through their ability and commitment to the firm, so it becomes an expression of both recognition and appreciation.’
