A WELL-known Darlington solicitor with more than 45 years’ experience has joined a regional law firm to ensure his clients receive high quality advice into the future.
Ken Wiper is nearing retirement and has closed his practice, which specialised in civil litigation and personal injury cases.
However, rather than call the day on his career, clients will continue to benefit from his expertise as he has taken up a consultancy position with BHP Law, based at the firm’s Darlington office.
Mr Wiper started as a legal executive in 1970, qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and set up his own practice in 2007 after being a partner at Latimer Hinks for many years.
He said his clients had been informed about the change and had moved across to BHP Law with him.
He explained: “I am nearing retirement and then my legal executive left to take up a training contract so I had to decide whether to replace her, close or move.
The most important factor for me was how best my clients’ needs would be served and my joining a well-established, local practice with a wide range of specialisms was the answer.
“Not all firms have the expertise that BHP Law offers. They will take over the work I have been doing and will continue to work with my clients until their matters are concluded, and beyond.”
Managing partner of BHP Law John Pratt said: “Ken’s clients were informed that they were obviously free to go to another firm but I am pleased to say that they have joined us, along with Ken.
“He advises a number of clients on farming and land matters, which is one of our specialisms, along with disputes and personal injury cases. There is a natural crossover between the work he was doing and the type of work we have so it’s a very good fit.
“We will endeavour to provide the same high quality, professional service that Ken provided within his own practice to his clients and look forward to working with them.”