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Founding partner, Michael Graham, retires from Ashton Graham Solicitors 

Following a long and distinguished career spanning 40 years, Michael will be retiring from Ashton Graham and stepping down from his current role as consultant at the end of April 2006.

Of the 40 years, 38 of them have been spent practicing law in Ipswich. His initial partnership, Graham & Oldham, was set up in 1970 with friend and colleague Arthur Oldham, in small offices in Princes Street.

Over the next three years the firm grew steadily until in 1973, having outgrown their original offices, the firm moved to Westgate Street. Followed in 1983 by a move to Electric House in the centre of the town. During this period, offices in Felixstowe and Stowmarket were also set up and thrived.

Michael commented, ‘I remember well the very first meeting I had with Arthur Oldham where we discussed the idea of setting up a new firm of solicitors. I think it stuck in my memory so well as I had to use my father’s tractor to get there as the weather was so bad!’ He continued ‘There were some hard times initially, getting the firm up and running but I don’t regret any of it and am very proud of all the achievements we have made over the years’.

In 1998 Graham & Oldham merged with Bury based solicitors Bankes Ashton, to form the current firm of Ashton Graham. Michael was the senior partner in Ashton Graham until 2002 when he became a consultant. Over the years Michael has worked in many areas of the law but primarily enjoyed dealing with people.

Today, Ashton Graham has 22 partners and over 150 employees, based in three locations, Ipswich, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds, and last year saw the move of the Ipswich office from Electric House to the prestigious Waterfront House location.

Since 2004 Michael has been a Local Conciliation Officer for the Law Society’s Consumer Complaints Service, a role he intends to continue performing on retiring from Ashton Graham.

Mike is a very keen sailor and a member of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club where he was Commodore from 1996-98. He is currently the President of the club and has been since 2003.

Current managing partner of Ashton Graham, Mark Merriam said ‘We all recognise the huge impact Michael has made on the firm over the years. His endless drive and enthusiasm has helped make the firm the success it is today. We all wish him the best for his retirement.’

Michael commented ‘In the future I intend to stay involved in the world of law but there are many places I would like to sail to and hopefully now I will have the time to do so. Sadly I also have 35 years of DIY to catch up on!’ 

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