Long-serving partner Andrew Holt has taken the reins of Wilkin Chapman from Mark Carlton, who is stepping aside after seven years at the helm.
The role offers a new challenge and opportunity for the highly regarded lawyer as he liaises closely with the firm’s chief executive, Des Mannion, leading the lawyers within the firm and acting as an ambassador in the wider community.
He has enjoyed a long and established career with Wilkin Chapman, with some 30 years’ commercial litigation experience.
Of his appointment, at the head of the 400-employee organisation, Andrew said: “I am delighted to accept this appointment. Our firm continues to display an innovative approach to its growth and work within our region, and in doing so is a true leader in its field.”
Mr Holt started his career with the firm in Cleethorpes nearly 30 years ago, moving to Immingham within 12 months, where he qualified and remained for four years. He spent similar terms in Louth and then Horncastle, where he was branch partner, landing in Lincoln 17 years ago.
He became Wilkin Chapman’s head of dispute resolution four years ago, adding the role of head of regulatory crime shortly afterwards. In recent years he has also co-ordinated the organisation’s delivery of the National Farmers Union’s legal advice scheme in the area.
Mr Carlton is delighted to welcome his long-term colleague as his successor. “We have known each other since being very young solicitors and in many ways our career paths have followed each other," the experienced family lawyer said.
“Andrew is Wilkin Chapman through and through, always putting the best interests of the firm and others before himself. He is a fine leader and I am absolutely certain that he will uphold the tradition and values of the firm.”
During his tenure, the law firm moved from the dual locations of New Oxford House and St Mary's Chambers in Grimsby town centre, to a purpose-built flagship office development, Cartergate House. Mr Carlton will remain an integral part of the senior team, taking on new responsibilities as head of the Grimsby office
Mr Mannion added: “Mark has steered our firm through much positive change, including our move to the new Grimsby headquarters, while maintaining our enviable position as the biggest firm in our chosen markets locally.
“There is no doubt that Andrew is a worthy successor. He will continue to build upon Mark’s legacy as we look to use our success as a vehicle for the growth and prosperity of the region as a whole."
