Clough & Willis, the Bury & Bolton based law firm, has confirmed that Shefali Talukdar – its managing partner of 15 years – is retiring and that Lee Marston, who is currently head of the Family team, will take over on 1st April 2018.
Shefali and Lee – along with the wider partnership – have been working closely over the past couple of months to ensure there is a smooth transfer of both leadership duties and client relationships. In his new position, Lee will manage the firm’s day-to-day operations, drive its strategic growth and continue to develop its people and working practices.
Lee became a partner in 2001 and has headed up the Family team since 2000. He is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in the financial side of divorce and children disputes and was a founding member of the Family Law Panel. Lee acts for a cross section of clients and has a particular expertise in acting for the owners of large businesses.
Shefali said: “I joined Clough & Willis in 1991 and became managing partner 15 years ago. To say the firm is in my blood is an understatement so deciding to step down and retire has been an incredibly hard decision. However, I know the business will be in the very best of hands as Lee and all the other partners are determined to build on the foundations that we have created together over the past couple of decades.”
Shefali was made a Deputy District Judge in 2015 and she will continue to sit as a judge once she retires.
Lee Marston commented: “Shefali’s departure is a big moment in Clough & Willis’ history and heralds a new era for the firm. Since she became managing partner, the business has grown year-on-year, we have launched new divisions and opened new offices. Her passion, drive and talent have helped determine where we are today and we can’t thank her enough.”
Lee added: On a more personal note, Shefali has been an inspirational colleague and a constant part of my working life for over 20 years so I will miss her. But I – along with everyone at Clough & Willis – wish her a very happy retirement.”
