Regional law firm Michelmores has elected Tim Richards, the head of its commercial dispute resolution team, as its next managing partner.
Tim, pictured, who also chairs the firm’s executive board, will succeed Malcolm Dickinson for an initial three-year term starting in May. 
Malcolm has been in the role since 2008. Since then the firm has grown steadily, moving from a single office in Exeter with a turnover of less than £1m to a top 100 firm with a turnover of £34.4m and offices in London and Bristol, which it opened in 2012.
The firm has a five-year-plan with the goal of becoming a leading firm in the South with a significant presence in London.
Malcolm will continue to play an active role at the firm, based mainly in London, where he will be closely involved in its strategic development and international practice, particularly in China.
Tim has been the head of Michelmores’ commercial dispute resolution team for 15 years. He has significant experience in handling a wide range of commercial disputes and has a reputation of being a hugely accomplished litigator.
He 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.
“The current economic and regulatory environments continue to present UK and international businesses with opportunities and challenges in areas on which Michelmores is ideally placed to advise.
“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.”
Senior Partner Andrew Oldland QC added: “I know that Tim will be a terrific leader of Michelmores. Law firm leadership is about people, business and law. Tim’s expertise means that he has an innate ability to get the best out of people, and he is an excellent listener and observer. I believe that under Tim’s stewardship, Michelmores will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Michelmores achieved 79th position in The Lawyer UK 200 last year, having achieved a 4.5% increase in annual turnover to £34.4m.
