One of the region’s leading law firms will have a new Managing Partner as it heads into 2022.
Phil Wilding has been named as Managing Partner of Wright Hassall after Sarah Perry – who has been in the role for the past six years – announced her decision to step down from the firm.
Perry, who has been with Wright Hassall for 32 years and rose from trainee to be one of the first female managing partners of a major law firm, will leave the firm at the end of the year.
Wildling has been with the firm for 10 years as a partner and head of debt collection. For the past two years he has overseen the employment, commercial, litigation, business immigration, private client, debt recovery, matrimonial and corporate teams.
He said: “I would like to put on record Wright Hassall’s gratitude to Sarah for her service over such a long period of time. To have risen from trainee to become Managing Partner is a huge achievement and a testament to her abilities and determination.
“I am immensely proud to have been asked to take on the role at what is such a crucial time for Wright Hassall. We are celebrating our 175th anniversary, have a hugely talented team and, are extremely well placed to grow the business.
“The Wright Hassall team has worked tirelessly through what has been a testing time for all, and I would like to thank them for their dedication.”
Peter Lowe will become Senior Partner while Nick Abell will continue in his role as Chairman of the firm.
Perry said: “I have been very proud to have worked for Wright Hassall, to have led the firm for the last six years and for the firm to have achieved so much. I am very grateful for all the support I have received from everyone across the firm which has allowed us to do some great things.
“I am extremely proud to have led the business through its 175th anniversary celebrations. There have been many highlights for me during my time at Wright Hassall including spending more than 15 years on the management board and leading our growth strategy which saw the turnover of the firm increase by more than 50 per cent in a short period of time and also winning the Regional Law Firm of the Year at the Lawyer Awards.
“It was also immensely satisfying to see the firm being recognised by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of the Commerce as a Business Hero for all the work we did in supporting other businesses and our local community through the pandemic.
“I leave the firm in great shape to take advantage of the many opportunities that lie in front of it and I wish Wright Hassall every success for the future.”
Caption: Phil Wilding, the new Managing Partner of Wright Hassall