Ian Williamson, a planning and property consultant at Birmingham and Solihull law firm The Wilkes Partnership, has recently celebrated 50 years as a solicitor, a milestone that was marked by a reception at the firm’s offices.

In addition to his role as a solicitor, Ian is a Legal Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Ian began his career as a trainee (then termed an ’articled clerk’) in February 1970 at a Birmingham law firm and he was admitted as a solicitor in 1972. As a partner in the firm, he opened a new Solihull branch office, which he subsequently acquired.

Alongside John Soden, another well-known local solicitor, Ian then founded Williamson & Soden, which quickly became a leading Solihull law firm with several branch offices. Following the move, in 1991, to a purpose-built new headquarters building, Stanton House, Shirley, the firm practised as Williamson & Soden from there with Ian as Managing Partner.

The firm prospered, subsequently merging with The Wilkes Partnership in 2013. Ian then became a consultant to the firm in planning and real estate law.

Ian comments: “Managing and living with change is vital in the legal profession as elsewhere. I have always looked to adapt with change. These days, there is more of a commercial flavour to client service, but integrity and clarity are still at the heart of what we do. I am particularly pleased that so many clients from the 1970’s and later have remained and are clients of The Wilkes Partnership now.”

Eleanor Holland, Managing Partner at The Wilkes Partnership comments: “Ian became part of The Wilkes Partnership when Williamson & Soden merged with us in 2013. We are all very proud of his recent milestone anniversary. It is a huge achievement to continue to share his knowledge and expertise with clients and members of staff and we hope he continues to do so for years to come.”