A law firm with offices in Bournemouth and Poole has appointed a new Managing Partner.

Mike Watson takes up the position at Trethowans with effect from April 1.

He has led the firm’s corporate team for more than ten years and is part of the existing management board.

Former Managing Partner Chris Whiteley, who has been instrumental in leading Trethowans from strength to strength over his six-year tenure, will become Senior Partner.

He will continue to work closely with Mike on the firm’s management board

Mike said: “I am proud to be appointed Trethowans’ new Managing Partner.

“I have lots of positive ideas and initiatives for the firm, including enhancing our client service delivery by using market leading technology and continuing to attract the best legal talent, all whilst staying true to our roots and our culture.

“We are heavily investing in our IT infrastructure to drive efficiencies for our clients.

“This will also ensure we continue to enable our lawyers to divide their time between the office and home beyond Covid-19.

“This will be the new norm and law firms need to embrace it.”

Trethowans is also implementing a range of new wellbeing initiatives for staff.

They include an interactive wellbeing centre, where staff can access education, support and other tools to help with physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Recruitment is expected to be a key objective for Trethowans which also has offices in Salisbury, Southampton, Winchester and London.

The firm is opening a new 2,000 sq ft Winchester office next month and is actively seeking to appoint ten new lawyers across the property, family, private client and agricultural sectors.

Chris said: “Mike is dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable.

“Having worked with him for the last six years on the firm’s management board I am sure that he will do a fantastic job and wish him every success in his new role.”

Established more than 150 years ago, Trethowans is a UK Top 150 law firm, providing a comprehensive range of services for business and individual clients.

With a team of around 250 people,  including more than 40 partners, it works for major commercial clients such as Ladbrokes plc, Jewson (part of the Saint Gobain Group), Pizza Hut, Nando’s, Britvic plc and Rowanmoor.