South: Kelvin Balmont appointed Clarke Willmott chairman

Law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has announced the appointment of Southampton-based lawyer Kelvin Balmont as its new chairman.

A partner in the corporate team and head of the Southampton office, Balmont takes on the role for the next three years.

Balmont joined Clarke Willmott as a senior associate in 2004, shortly after the firm opened its Southampton office, and has since become a highly regarded corporate partner and head of office.

Balmont, who was elected to the position by the firm’s other partners, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed Chairman and look forward to continuing the firm’s development which has seen a strong growth across the partnership in terms of staff and partner numbers as well as turnover.

“I will be combining the role with my current client-facing duties and will continue to look after clients, lead transactions and grow the corporate team in the South.

“As head of the Southampton office I want to ensure we continue to expand our capabilities and standing in this region. I have lived in Hampshire nearly all my life and have worked in the Solent region since becoming a solicitor so I am extremely passionate about the area and its business community.

“I have taken over as chairman at a very challenging time for the firm, our clients and our staff. Fortunately, Clarke Willmott is extremely well managed and my colleagues are flexible and hard working. This means we are well placed to support our clients during the current challenges and to help them make the most of opportunities as we move into a post-Brexit and post-lockdown environment.”

Clarke Willmott has seven regional offices across the country and Kelvin Balmont will be working to maintain the culture and ethos of the firm while supporting the management board and CEO in the running and development of the firm.

Clarke Willmott CEO, Stephen Rosser said: “Jonathan Morton has done a fantastic job as chairman for the past three years and both I and the board are grateful to him for his hard work and commitment to ensuring the firm’s success.

“We very much look forward to hearing the fresh new ideas of Kelvin and working with him on the next phase of the firm’s growth strategy.”

Clarke Willmott has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com