Michelmores has elected its head of commercial dispute resolution to be its next managing partner.

Tim Richards

Tim Richards will begin his three-year term in May, replacing the outgoing Malcolm Dickinson, who had been in post since 2008.

Richards is currently chair of the firm’s executive board. He trained at Hogan Lovells, qualifying in 1989 and working there until 1995. He then joined the partnership at Harneys in the BVI, followed by a stint at Pinsent Masons in the late 1990s before joining Michelmores in 2000.

Richards said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen by my fellow partners to serve as the next managing partner of Michelmores at what is a very exciting time in the development of the firm, and for the legal sector in general. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our clients to continue to deliver an outstanding service, while providing an environment where our people can flourish. I am also delighted that Malcolm will continue to contribute to the implementation of our strategy and our future growth.” Dickinson will remain with the firm, focusing on the strategic development of the firm’s international practice, particularly in China. In his 10 years in charge Michelmores evolved from a firm with turnover of less than £1m to a UK top 100 outfit.

Michelmores ranked 79th in The Lawyer UK 200 in 2017, declaring itself “satisfied rather than pleased” with its 4.5 per cent increase in turnover from £32.9m to £34.4m that year. Its latest five-year-plan, entitled Ambition 2020, sets the goal of becoming a leading firm in the South with a significant London presence.