Thrings Strengthens South West Team with Appointment of Two New Partners

Leading commercial law firm Thrings has further strengthened its offering to clients with the appointment of James Myatt and Malcolm Emery as partners.

An accredited family law specialist with more than 30 years’ experience of working with family-owned businesses, private companies and individuals, James joins Thrings from Lyons Davidson, where he was a partner and head of the private client division.

In addition to bolstering Thrings’ established team of partners, James will use his extensive knowledge and experience to expand the firm’s high quality client base while also bringing a substantial caseload of existing clients.

James is a well-known figure in the South West business community, and currently holds the position of Under Sheriff for the City and County of Bristol. He is also a former Master of the Guild of Guardians, the charitable organisation which aims to improve the quality of the Civic life of the City of Bristol.

James said: “Thrings has an enviable reputation for the provision of first-class family and private client services, especially to commercial clients who have potentially complex issues. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join and help develop such an excellent and established team."

Malcolm arrives at Thrings from WBW Solicitors, where he was partner and head of the private wealth team. He has extensive experience of advising individuals, private companies, corporations and trustees on a range of legal, tax and succession matters, including estate planning, residence and domicile issues, inheritance and capital gains tax, and wills and trusts.

As well as developing Thrings’ client base in the South West, Malcolm will work closely with the firm's commercial team to offer tax and planning advice to private clients. His vast experience of working with agricultural clients will also complement Thrings’ sizeable agriculture team which currently acts for a number of traditional landed estates and agribusinesses.

Malcolm, who is dual qualified as a chartered tax adviser and solicitor, is also rated in the current Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 legal directories, described by the former as a ‘leader in his field’.

Malcolm said: “Clients have become increasingly discerning about what they want from a legal adviser and to achieve their specific objectives, a holistic approach needs to be taken over their affairs. 

“While Thrings has a history steeped in private client, it has a progressive approach and commitment to building a strong corporate and commercial practice. It is a vibrant and forward-thinking law firm, which clearly understands and appreciates the value a private client presence can add to its already burgeoning corporate and commercial client base.”

The recruitment of James and Malcolm follows the recent appointments of Victoria Smyth as partner and Lauren Preedy, an associate solicitor. The quartet’s extensive experience of working with commercial clients also marks a continuation of Thrings’ focus on offering clients a fully integrated legal service rather than one which separates commercial and private client affairs.

Simon Holdsworth, managing partner of Thrings, said: “Thrings prides itself on looking at the client as a whole, not just as a legal issue. And although we are renowned for our commercial and corporate work, we understand that every business person will also have personal issues that need advice.

“James and Malcolm are experienced legal professionals who will undoubtedly bolster Thrings’ fast-growing reputation for looking after clients in a holistic way. I am very much looking forward to seeing them support and develop our expanding private client portfolio, working closely with our commercial teams and delivering  specialist legal advice  to new and existing clients.”