Reading: Blandy & Blandy announces new senior partner

Leading Reading-based solicitors firm Blandy & Blandy LLP has announced that, following a highly-successful eight years in the role, Simon Dimmick is to step down as the firm’s senior partner.

Ranked as a top-tier firm by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500, Blandy & Blandy is now a 19-partner firm, with a headcount approaching 100. In January, following impressive growth, the firm opened a new second office at 33 Blagrave Street, a short walk from its home at One Friar Street.

Partner Brenda Long, a leading figure in the firm's family team, is to take on the role. According to Chambers UK, Long “knows her stuff inside-out – what she hasn't seen is not worth knowing”.

A member of Resolution and The Law Society’s family panel, Long is a qualified family mediator and a trained collaborative lawyer. She is also recommended in The Legal 500 and featured in the 'Citywealth Leaders List'.

Welcoming Long into the role, Dimmick said: "When I said I wanted to stand down as senior partner it was obvious to all partners who should succeed me – except to Brenda. Brenda holds the respect and affection of the whole firm. She epitomises our values. She is committed to our colleagues.  Her proven leadership record, her focus on the future, together with vitality and vision, make her the obvious choice. I am delighted to pass on the baton to Brenda.”

Dimmick’s focus going forward will be on continuing to grow and develop the firm’s highly-successful planning team, ranked among the best in the UK.

Long added: “During his eight years as senior partner, Simon has headed the firm in a period of significant change. The firm has grown from 12 to 19 partners, with a corresponding increase in staff numbers, and has come through the recession stronger than ever.

"Simon is very well known and liked in the local community, which has greatly contributed to the firm’s profile and growth. As well as dealing with what is happening today, Simon always has one eye on the future and has been instrumental in ensuring that we have clear succession plans in place, with the introduction of new partners and further building of teams.

"I am excited to be stepping into Simon’s shoes at this time, when the firm is poised to capitalise further on the investments that it has made, both in recruiting additional excellent staff, and in our premises and infrastructure. We are looking forward to continuing to serve our clients to the same high standards of excellence and I am looking forward to leading the firm into the future.”

Both Dimmick's and Long’s achievements were celebrated at an event held at Forbury’s Restaurant on December 7, with over 100 invited guests marking the occasion.