Jones takes over at Edge & Ellison

Birmingham firm Edge & Ellison has appointed Digby Jones to take over as senior partner from John Aucott.

Law Society Council member Aucott, who has been in the post for the past five years, hands over the reins in May.

Jones, who takes over at the age of 39 and was recently voted top deal maker in Finance Midlands, has been deputy senior partner since 1990.

"For regional firms, I think the next five years are going to be a cracking time. It will be hard-work though," he says.

"I am lucky to be building on John Aucott's legacy. He has taken the firm through the assault on the profession and has put the building blocks in place."

Jones will be considering whether the firm should move into new geographical areas, "not because we feel we ought to be there, but because we can make money". He says cost-effective quality and fun in the partnership are key aspirations.

Jones joined the firm in 1978 as an articled clerk before rising to associate partner a year after qualifying. In 1984 he became partner. Aucott says he is looking forward to returning to more hands-on legal work but will continue to be involved with the management of the firm as a member of its board.