One of the Midlands’ most respected legal professionals has retired from the legal firm he first joined 45 years ago.
Nick Abell joined Leamington Spa-based Wright Hassall straight from school in 1977 and rose to become Senior Partner and Chairman, as well as fulfilling several other prestigious roles in the region.
Abell chaired the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and is a trustee of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. He also captained Stratford Cricket Club for four seasons.
More than 100 professionals – as well as friends and family – met at Warwick Racecourse to pay tribute to Abell who lives near Stratford-upon-Avon.
Peter Lowe, Senior Partner of Wright Hassall, said: “Nick is a very fine property lawyer who established and build our expertise in real estate and has helped countless clients through good and bad times.
“He led Wright Hassall very successfully as Senior Partner working closely with Richard Lane before taking over as Chairman. He has always taken the time to mentor young lawyers, many of whom were at the reception to thank him.
“But work never stopped and started at the office door for Nick. His work for the LEP, leading the organisation as Chairman through the very difficult days of the pandemic, was massively important for the region and helped local business groups emerge from what were very dark days.
“Whatever the challenge, Nick is always fully engaged – be it a work matter, the fortunes of Leicester Tigers and West Bromwich Albion or the quality of this year’s Bordeaux vintage.”
Having joined Wright Hassall from school, Abell had four years working for Nabarro Nathanson in London, before returning to Leamington in 1986.
He said: “This was a lovely way to round off my time at Wright Hassall and I am very grateful to the firm for organising the evening and it was wonderful to meet up with colleagues, former workmates, friends and clients.
“I have had a fantastic career with Wright Hassall and I know the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Caption: (l-r) Harry Abell, Nick Abell, Sally Abell, Lucy Abell