THERE are significant changes planned at the top of Worcester law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR).

After 35 years, family law solicitor Jonathan Brew is to hand over the reins of senior partner in April, to Richard Knight.

Mr Brew said: “I am really looking forward to having more time to do one of the things I love most, which is getting out and about in Worcestershire among the communities and businesses who make up the fabric of the society we live and work in.”

Mr Brew joined the firm in 1983, as a partner who, although originally tasked with taking over its criminal law practice, soon realised that there was a need for a family law team in Worcester.

After building that team across the Three Counties he has also developed longstanding relationships with people and communities across the region.

Meanwhile, Richard Knight is bringing his own vision to the role of senior partner and the firm’s role in its localities.

“As senior partner I want to engage with each of our seven offices, meet the teams and hear more about the work that colleagues do in and with their communities," he said.

“I know that some office teams are already very active with local projects, but I want to ensure that all my HCR colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference to the causes they care about in the places that they live and work in.”

Mr Knight is a corporate law partner who joined Cheltenham law firm Rickerbys 29 years ago and became part of the wider firm when Rickerbys merged with Harrison Clark in 2013.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has 450 staff and partners based at offices in Worcester, as well as in Cheltenham, Birmingham and Hereford. Last year HCR moved into brand new Cathedral Square offices to reaffirm its commitment to Worcester.

The firm also now has a permanent London base and will be expanding its Birmingham office this year.