“The Downs Solicitors LLP Award for Outstanding Achievement” was this year awarded to David Gill, the Sports and Recreation Manager for Waverley Borough Council.   David is a very worthy winner of our award which recognises the unique and outstanding contribution that individuals, teams and organisations make to sport in the community. David is held in high esteem within the community and sports circles generally and his dedication and passion for sport knows no bounds. 

 

Our award was presented by Paul Marsh, the recent past President of the Law Society and who now works for Downs as a Consultant. He was joined by guest of honour, Peter King who was the mastermind behind the Team GB Cycling success at the Beijing Olympics.

We are delighted to be one of the primary sponsors of Dorking Rugby Club during their 2009/2010 season.   Dorking RFC first took to the field in 1924 and since that time they have produced many players of international quality. The club caters for all ages and sexes, as in addition to their mini and junior sections, they also run ladies’ teams, as well as two junior girls’ teams.

 

We are inspired by the hard work, commitment and loyalty that is displayed both on and off the pitch - from the players, coaches, managerial staff and even the supporters, all of which has helped produce some excellent results. The first XV were promoted to the National league 3 London and South East, in 2006, their first team won the Powergen Vase at Twickenham and in 2007 their Under 17s were national champions.

 

We wish them every success in the forthcoming season.

We wish her well in her new role.

We are delighted to announce the ongoing expansion of our office in Meadrow, Godalming following the recent appointment of 4 new lawyers and 3 new secretaries.  

 

A real coup for the firm is the arrival of Paul Marsh, who joins our Property Department. Paul has recently completed his one year term as President of the Law Society but he will continue to maintain close links with the Law Society as he is spearheading their conveyancing consultation exercise which was launched in June and he remains a leading voice in the on-going debate regarding Home Information Packs. Paul said “There has been much speculation recently about the survival of High Street practices, but I still believe they are an important and integral part of the communities which they serve. One of the reasons they survive is because they put their clients first and as a result build up their trust and loyalty. This is one of the reasons why I am looking forward to returning to my grass roots and working for Downs who have been on the High Street for nearly 175 years and continue to prove the point that you don’t need to engage the services of a top London practice to receive the highest level of legal advice.”

 

Also, joining the Property Department as an Associate is Richard Taylor. Richard specialises in residential property development, residential conveyancing and general commercial property work. 

 

Susan Scott returns to Downs as a Partner in the Commercial Property Department. She covers all aspects of commercial property law and has built up an excellent reputation in property during 25 years of practice in the Surrey area. 

 

Finally, there is Simon Porter, who joins our Corporate & Commercial Department as an Associate. Simon has extensive experience of corporate and commercial law, in particular structured finance transactions, mergers and acquisitions and corporate reorganisations. His expertise will help to strengthen an already highly-regarded commercial team.

 

We are also delighted to announce that Godalming-based Private Client lawyer, Joanna Beck, has recently passed her STEP exams with a distinction. She joins Tim Hughes (Partner) and Elizabeth Muston in the Private Client Department, as a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. As members they are qualified to advise clients on Wills, estate administration, trusts and tax planning.