A RESPECTED Kidderminster lawyer has passed on the baton to a trusted successor after almost four decades in the legal profession.

Litigation specialist Chris Stanley has retired as a partner and consultant from legal firm mfg Solicitors after a successful career spanning 36 years.

Mr Stanley joined his original firm, Ivens & Morton, in 1979 before it was amalgamated with mfg Solicitors, then known as Morton Fisher, in the 1980s.

He is being succeeded by litigation and dispute resolution expert Sarah Coyne, who now heads up mfg’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department - handling cases for clients regionally and across the country.

Mr Stanley said: “After nearly 40 years with the firm it is a big change for me to be leaving but I know am leaving the department in Sarah’s very safe and vastly experienced hands.

“The department will continue to go from strength to strength and has a very exciting future ahead.

“Sarah is a hugely talented, dedicated and knowledgeable solicitor in whom I have the utmost confidence and trust to deliver the best possible advice on personal injury and negligence matters.”

Ms Coyne added: “Chris has had a huge influence on everyone here at mfg Solicitors and he leaves a first-rate legacy.

“He will be a very hard act to follow but thanks to his guidance, friendship and expertise we are able to build on all he has achieved over a long and highly successful career. We wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Aside from her role at mfg Solicitors, Ms Coyne is also the Chair of Governors at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Studley.

She joined the firm in 1989, becoming a partner in 1999. After taking a career break to spend time with her young family, Sarah re-joined the firm in February 2014.