One of Dorset’s longest serving solicitors has retired after a legal career spanning six decades.
Hugh Craig, 81, stepped down after 57 years of service in the profession – including the last 11 years as a consultant solicitor in business services at Ellis Jones Solicitors.
Mr Craig read law at the University of Cambridge’s Downing College and graduated in 1962. He joined a Liverpool firm, Laces, for his traineeship and qualified as a solicitor in 1965.
Mr Craig moved to London in the mid-1960s, joining Coward Chance, now Clifford Chance, where he stayed until 1970 when he joined Bates Wells.
Over the next 35 years Hugh worked as a corporate lawyer, senior partner and head of the company commercial department of Bates Wells until he retired as a partner and became a consultant solicitor with Ellis Jones.
Mr Craig received independent endorsement of his expertise in leading legal directory The Legal 500 guide, and was named as a recommended lawyer for business services in the 2022 edition.
Nigel Smith, managing partner at Ellis Jones Solicitor, said Mr Craig would be “sorely missed” and wished him a “long and enjoyable retirement.”
Mr Smith said: “Hugh has been a tremendous credit to the legal profession over many decades. It is unlikely that there are many solicitors with his depth of experience and expertise who have accomplished so much during their professional careers.
“It has been a privilege for all at Ellis Jones to work alongside Hugh for the past 11 years and be able to draw upon his advice and guidance. My sincere thanks go to Hugh on behalf of Ellis Jones for all he has done for the firm and its clients.”
Mr Craig added: “I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and long career for which I have been given by the law and to Ellis Jones for enabling me to extend and finish my career in such a progressive firm with so many positive and friendly colleagues.”
Ellis Jones has more than 170 staff including 21 partners in five Dorset offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne, as well as London.
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