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New Senior Partner at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP- 10/11/2010
Niall Blackie will take over as Senior Partner from Gavin Southall, when Mr Southall retires from the partnership and becomes a consultant to the firm on 31 March 2011.
Mr Southall is also stepping down as Head of the Corporate Department. Corporate Partner James Sage takes over this position with immediate effect.
Partner and Head of Town and Country Planning, Mr Blackie is a Solicitor-Advocate (Civil) specialising in town and country planning and compulsory purchase matters, with particular emphasis on advocacy at all types of inquiries. He joined the firm in 1979, qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and became a partner in 1984. Mr Blackie is also Diocesan Registrar to the Diocese of Lichfield, Legal Secretary to the Bishop of Lichfield and Registrar to Lichfield Cathedral.
One of the best known figures on the Wolverhampton business and legal scene, Mr Southall joined the firm in 1973 and qualified as a solicitor in 1974. He became a partner in 1977 and was appointed to the post of Senior Partner in 2006, leading the successful merger of three Shropshire and Wolverhampton firms to become FBC Manby Bowdler in 2008.
Mr Blackie said: “On behalf of the firm, I would like to thank Gavin for the massive contribution he has made to its growth and development, and for the time he has dedicated to promoting the city of Wolverhampton as a vibrant business centre over the past 35 years. I am delighted that he has agreed to stay on as a consultant after 31 March. Retaining the benefit of some of his time, energy and enthusiasm, will be important to us as a firm and to the community, and I know he will make a positive and valued input.
Niall Blackie (front left), Gavin Southall (centre behind) and James Sage (front right)
“It is an honour to take over as Senior Partner of a major local business at such an important moment. FBC Manby Bowdler is well rooted in the local communities it serves, and as a legal practice with real depth of experience and expertise I believe we are well placed to advise and help our clients take on the challenges facing them through the coming years.”
With 36 partners, FBC Manby Bowdler is one of the largest law firms in the West Midlands. The firm has offices in Wolverhampton, Willenhall, Telford, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth.