Former Hammonds senior partner Richard Burns dies
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Hammonds former senior partner Richard Burns has passed away at age 49.
It is understood he had fallen ill several months ago which resulted in his death yesterday, Monday 20 May 2008.
Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley said in a statement: "We are devastated by Richard's sudden and tragic death. Richard was a great lawyer with huge intellect, vision and unwavering commitment to the firm. His boundless energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Burns joined Hammonds in 1981 as an articled clerk and was made up to partner at the firm only 5 years later. For four years Burns led the firm as senior partner through challenging times, stepping down in August 2005.
He was a corporate lawyer specialising on national and international M&A, flotations and the raising of equity-based finance.
Burns was most recently advising on the £1bn takeover battle for kitchen equipment maker Enodis, advising US-based Illinois Tool Works (ITW) (The Lawyer, 14 May).
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Readers' comments (12)
Anonymous | 20-May-2008 2:12 pm
A great loss to all who knew him
Richard was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and well regarded - he was also a genuinely nice person to deal with and to work with. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family.
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Anonymous | 20-May-2008 3:01 pm
Richard Burns
Richard was a fantastic lawyer and a devoted father. He had such effortless charm and was truly in his prime. This is the saddest news, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.
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Anonymous | 20-May-2008 3:45 pm
Richard Burns - Respected Man
You were great at what you did. We'll always remember you. A tribute has been created in your honor. Please share your memories and photos that you may have.
http://respectance.com/RichardBurns
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Per Brooke Barnett | 20-May-2008 4:04 pm
Richard Burns
Richard helped in selling my company back in 2001. He did a very professional job and became a good friend. Very sad news.
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Anonymous | 20-May-2008 7:30 pm
Richard Burns - Great Mentor
I was fortunate enough to work with Richard for 18 months on one particular matter, and as a junior lawyer looking to learn and make your mark, there could have been no better mentor than Richard. I learnt so much from him in such a short space of time and it was a real pleasure to work with such a professional, kind-hearted soul who actually took an interest in the juniors he worked with. I will personally miss working with him greatly. Our thoughts at this are with his family at this time.
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Anonymous | 21-May-2008 2:55 pm
Richard Burns
Richard was a man of absolute integrity and unswerving loyalty.There is no way to adequately describe his boundless qualities.A true friend and a formidable lawyer.
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Anonymous | 21-May-2008 5:25 pm
Richard Hammond
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing at such a young age. I will always remember his curiosity on issues outside those at hand. My thoughts are with his wife and children.
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Anonymous | 21-May-2008 5:34 pm
Richard Burns
I consider myself very fortunate to have worked under Richard as an assistant solicitor. He had an infectious enthusiasm for the work and his relationships with clients and despite the enormous workloads he continually juggled, always found time for the assistants, giving support, encouragement and rewards whenever due.
I am sure I speak for many others in saying that he had an immeasurably positive impact upon my career and will be missed immensely.
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Ian Richardson | 21-May-2008 5:55 pm
Richard Burns
I was a corporate contemporary of Richard's in Leeds at a competing firm and knew him well.He was a very able business lawyer of great integrity and more importantly a thoroughly nice guy.I am very saddened to hear this awful news.
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Anonymous | 24-May-2008 9:37 pm
richard burns
I played football with you in the early 80's - you played 5 and 11 aside for the then Last Suddards. You were only articled at the time, you played along with Frankie, Geoff, Lee,Smithy, Hilton, Phil Austick. In fact you are the only one I can remember but especially you - you were the tall fair haired one who had all the women swooning, and you kept dislocating your shoulder.
You were a nice guy then and destined for greater things - I haven't seen you for 20 years but still remember you as though it was yesterday, and even though its 20 years I feel so sad for you and your family and all those whose hearts you touched. RIP, Burnsey, RIP
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