Staff at law firm Clarke Willmott have paid tribute to Bristol office partner Neil Baker, who died on Monday.
Neil, pictured, who joined the firm in 1999, was described as ‘much loved’ and ‘widely respected’, with Clarke Willmott saying his colleagues had been left devastated by his death. 
Neil was widely respected and recognised as one of the country’s leading planning lawyers – he had a Tier 1 ranking in legal directory Chambers and ‘hall of fame’ recognition in Legal 500.
As well as leading Clarke Willmott’s planning team, he was an active figure in Bristol’s business community.
He was particularly well-known in the property world, organising the SW Planning Dinner as well as for his involvement with Bristol Round Table and 41 Club.
Neil acted for a number of national housebuilders, including Barratt Homes, Crest and Persimmon, regional commercial developers, landowners, industrial and manufacturing concerns and for a number of public sector bodies.
A member of UK Environmental Lawyers Association, he spoke regularly at conferences and had lectured for UWE Bristol on Environmental Impact Assessments.
He graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Biochemistry in 1989 and worked in the City of London before joining Clarke Willmott.
Clarke Willmott CEO Peter Swinburn said: “It has been a terribly difficult time for all of us at Clarke Willmott.
“Our immediate efforts are focussed on supporting Neil’s family and those colleagues who worked most closely with him.
“In due course we will be able to reflect on the huge contribution made by Neil to our firm and the broader community in Bristol and beyond.”
Clarke Willmott employs more than 650 staff, including 100-plus partners, across its seven offices.
