Member Article

Legal pair step down after 100 years' service

Two renowned senior legal professionals, with a combined service of more than 100 years, have retired.

David Higgs and Bob Leek were given a send off by colleagues at Black Country law firm Higgs & Sons to mark their outstanding careers and long service.

David Higgs, 78, is the fourth generation of his family to work at the firm founded by his great-grandfather Joseph Higgs. A consultant in the Private Client team at Higgs, after formerly being a Senior Partner and Head of Department, David was admitted to the solicitors’ roll in 1963.

Bob Leek, 66, was also a Partner in the Private Client team who joined the firm in September 1978 and according to Chambers & Partners is regarded as the ‘senior statesman of the Black Country’. He is set to continue into the new year in a consultancy capacity.

A party was held to celebrate their 100 years of service at Higgs & Sons Waterfront headquarters, attended by more than 140 current and former clients and colleagues. Lucy Obery, Head of Private Client, told guests: “I’m sure everyone who has had the pleasure of working with David and Bob will join me in thanking them for their long and distinguished service to the firm.

“The two of them have helped to establish what is now the largest Private Client team in the West Midlands.

“The word legacy is overused, but when it comes to what David and Bob have achieved in their time at Higgs & Sons, it is suitably justified. They leave behind a legacy of always putting the client first and that approach will always be part of the fabric of the private client team.

“For their dedication, hard work and for being wonderful colleagues and friends we wish them a wonderful retirement and hope that they enjoy the journey ahead. They will be missed, but I can assure them that the department has been left in safe hands.”

David said: “I have enjoyed my years in the law immensely and Higgs & Sons has been an important part of my life. It was very much a family firm when I joined back in 1957, but I am the last Higgs in the family to work here. One of the highlights of my career was following in the footsteps of my grandfather as President of Birmingham Law Society.”

Bob added: “Higgs & Sons has been a large part of my life for 40 years. The firm has changed incredibly during that time, and I owe it a huge debt of gratitude for how it has helped and guided me in my career. I am pleased to have played my part in helping Higgs develop into the firm it is today.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Taylor .