The Partner responsible for overseeing the growth and strategy of a Newcastle law firm has now taken up the role of Chairperson.

Richard Miller, Partner at Dean Street based Burnetts Solicitors LLP, has been appointed to the position after spending more than 18 years with the company.

He succeeds Vaughan Jones who retires from the business later this year.

Richard has previously held a number of leadership roles within the business while maintaining an active role as a Partner within the firm’s nationally recognised Agribusiness team.

This new post is the latest in a long line of successes for the solicitor, who formally joined the company in 2005 following participation in the training scheme Burnetts has run since 2000.

He became the firm’s youngest ever Salaried Partner in 2011 at the age of 26 and became an Equity Partner in 2014.

“I am delighted to take on this role within the firm,” said Richard,

“It is a real privilege to work with extremely talented people within teams across the business and I am looking forward to utilising my new role to further advance our expansion in the North East.”

Nick Gutteridge, Managing Partner for Burnetts, believes Richard’s appointment will be of huge benefit to the business.

“Strategic and structured succession is key to a successful and sustainable professional services business like ours,” he said.

“Having been partners with both of these individuals for many years I congratulate each of them, Vaughan on a well-earned retirement, and Richard as he takes up this important role alongside his other responsibilities within our organisation.”

Along with its office in Newcastle, Burnetts has offices in both Carlisle and Cockermouth.

The company operates across a whole host of sectors including both business and personal. Further information is available at www.burnetts.co.uk