Legal duo take senior posts as practices move

TWO law firms have announced new senior partners to take over the running of their practices as they move to new premises.

John South is now at the helm of 46-partner London firm Charles Russell, while Tony Bell becomes senior partner at Knight & Sons, in Staffordshire, in January.

South, former head of the company commercial department, succeeds John Davis in time for the firm's move to new offices in New Fetter Lane at the beginning of next year.

The firm's head office is currently split between two sites with the litigation and commercial departments in a separate annex.

"We are pleased to be bringing the head office under one roof which we believe will strengthen teamwork - one of our key objectives," says South.

Bell takes over from Knight & Sons' senior partner John Cheetham, who retires to become an employment law consultant for the Newcastle Under Lyme firm.

Bell says his appointment coincides with the firm's move to new premises: "I am therefore taking on my new role at a most exciting and challenging time both for me personally and for the firm."