Andrew Welch, managing partner to retire after almost 30 years with the Wigan-based firm.
Andrew Welch, chair and managing partner of the national law firm, Stephensons has announced his retirement following almost 30 years with the Wigan-based firm.
Having joined Stephensons in 1994, immediately after qualifying as a solicitor, Andrew became a partner in 1998 and in 2008 joined the board as deputy chair and subsequently managing partner. He became chair of the firm in 2019, following the retirement of Ann Harrison.
Andrew began his career as a specialist personal injury lawyer and over the course of his career helped hundreds of Stephensons’ clients secure compensation totalling millions of pounds. Under his tenure, Andrew oversaw Stephensons’ considerable growth and success, transforming it into one of the region’s leading law firms. Andrew will leave the firm at the end of April.
Sean Joyce, currently a partner and head of the firm’s highly regarded regulatory and criminal justice team will become the firm’s new managing partner. Meanwhile, David Baybut, partner and head of real estate will take on the role of Stephensons’ chair.
Commenting on his time at Stephensons, Andrew Welch said:
“I am extremely proud of what Stephensons has become: a law firm employing the very best legal talent and delivering superb results for our clients. To have been at the helm for some of that time has been an honour and a privilege.
“We have a wealth of talent coming up through the firm, and I believe the time is right for me to hand over the reins confident that the firm will continue its incredible journey.”
Sean Joyce, the firm’s incoming managing partner added:
“Andrew has helped to shape Stephensons into one the country’s leading full service law firms and over the course of his career, has transformed the lives of countless clients. That is a fantastic legacy with which to begin a new chapter in his life.”
Photograph, left to right: David Baybut, Andrew Welch and Sean Joyce.