A highly regarded Shropshire solicitor has reached the rare milestone of 50 years in the legal industry.
Paul Rhodes, 66, partner at Shropshire law firm MFG Solicitors began his successful legal career in 1963 and is now one of the county’s most experienced lawyers.
Mr Rhodes, who was born and brought up in Shrewsbury, started his life in the legal industry on 1 January 1963 when he joined MFG’s predecessors, Gywnnes, as a trainee in their Wellington office.
Qualifying in 1970, he was appointed as a partner four years later and senior partner in 2003. Over the years, as a respected wills and probate specialist, he has continued to play a vital role in the growth of MFG Solicitors within Shropshire.
As well as working full-time Mr Rhodes acts as an assistant for Shropshire’s coroner. He is also a former trustee of the Shropshire and Telford Community Trust as well as being a former president of the Wellington Rotary Club.
Mr Rhodes said: “I have seen many changes in the legal industry but been fortunate to work with some of the nicest people, professionals and clients – many of whom I have been acting for since the early 1970s.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve Shropshire and meeting the legal needs of the community and I am looking forward to continuing for some years to come. I have always found law extremely interesting and more than anything, during my 50 years I have enjoyed guiding and supporting people with legal advice.”
Mr Rhodes said that although he is in the latter stages of his full-time career, he will be committing much of his time to mentoring and advising the team of talented young lawyers which MFG Solicitors are currently bringing through the ranks.
Maynard Burton, chairman at MFG Solicitors said: “Paul is well respected across Shropshire by his clients and within the wider community for his professionalism, dedication and expertise over what has been a successful 50 years. To reach such a milestone is testament to his ability to adapt over many years in what is an ever-changing industry.
“I speak on behalf of everyone here at MFG Solicitors when I say how proud we are of him and how wonderful it is to witness him reaching 50 years – a feat which only very few people have reached across the legal industry.”
To celebrate his 50 years, Mr Rhodes and his family were joined by friends and colleagues at a dinner held in his honour at Telford’s Whitehouse Hotel.
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