Leathes Prior’s Senior Partner Paul Warman announces retirement

Leathes Prior’s Senior Partner, Paul Warman, is set to retire as
a Partner after 34 years of service at the firm on Monday 31 March 2025.

Paul joined Leathes Prior in 1991 before becoming a Partner in
1994 and has been a cornerstone in the growth of the firm’s Corporate and
Commercial offering.  Specialising in corporate
law himself, in particular the sale and purchase of private companies, MBO’s,
company re-organisations, fundraising and joint ventures, he is well known for acting for
a large number of local businesses, as well as national and international
clients.

Paul stepped into the role of Senior Partner after the
retirement of William Riley in 2022 and is known for his sharp legal mind,
strategic insight, and, in particular, his scarf wearing. Paul has played a
pivotal role in shaping the firm’s direction, mentoring countless colleagues,
and championing the values that define Leathes Prior.

Though Paul is stepping down from his role as Senior Partner, we
are delighted to announce that he will continue with us as a Consultant. In
this capacity, he will share his extensive experience, provide strategic
counsel, and support the development of our next generation of legal talent.

Partner Dan Chapman commented: “Paul’s contributions to
Leathes Prior are immeasurable. His leadership, wisdom, and dedication have
left an indelible mark on our firm. When Paul joined LP in 1991 the firm was
largely a legal aid practice with little or no commercial and corporate
presence – what he has managed to achieve during his tenure is nothing short of
remarkable. He has not just achieved the creation and growth of a leading
Corporate and Commercial Team, but has managed to play a prominent role in the
growth of other related practice areas such as Employment and Commercial
Property too, all of which has left the firm upon his retirement as a Partner
in such a good place. We are incredibly grateful for his service and thrilled
that he will remain part of our team as a Consultant.”

Paul shared his thoughts on this transition: “It has been an
honour to serve as Senior Partner at Leathes Prior. I am deeply proud of what
we have accomplished together and look forward to supporting the firm in my new
role as Consultant. The future of Leathes Prior is bright, and I hope to have
left Leathes Prior in a better place than when I first started.”

Please join us in congratulating Paul on his remarkable career
and wishing him every success in this new chapter. We look forward to
benefiting from your continued insight and guidance Paul.

With Paul retiring, Mike Barlow will become a senior partner at the firm. Mike joined Leathes Prior in 1995 before becoming a
Partner in 2000 and was the firm’s Managing Partner for many years. Mike heads
the firm’s Dispute Resolution Team, specialising in commercial and business disputes.
Mike has extensive experience in acting for clients in complex High Court
cases, commercial arbitrations, adjudications, and mediations.