Thames Valley: Christopher Avery to lead Gateley office in Reading

Christopher Avery, one of the Thames Valley’s best-known lawyers, has joined Gateley plc and will head up a new office in Reading for the AIM-listed law firm.

The new Reading office will expand Gateley’s national network to seven locations in England, as well as an operation in Dubai, and fits with its strategy of becoming a leading national law firm while still retaining a strong regional emphasis.

Avery was managing partner of Reading-based law firm Pitmans for 25 years, before stepping down from the role this summer. During Avery’s 36 years with Pitmans – now described as a ‘regional heavyweight’ by The Legal 500 – the business grew from 25 to over 200 staff with a fee income in excess of £20m.

Commenting on Avery’s appointment, Gateley CEO Michael Ward, said:  “Christopher has been appointed to help us develop a full-service commercial practice in the highly strategic Thames Valley/M4 corridor which is a large and growing centre for legal services.  He is well known in the Thames Valley and has the right combination of experience and entrepreneurial spirit to help us deliver our objectives.

“We indicated at our IPO* that whilst we had a fully invested UK network of offices we would consider opportunities in one or two other geographical locations if the right opportunity presented itself, and Reading is such an opportunity.”

Avery commented:  “I am delighted to be joining Gateley Plc at such an exciting time in the firm’s development.  I have lived and worked in the area for all of my professional career and know the Thames Valley market well.  I have been impressed with the attitude, ambition and professionalism of the Gateley team and believe together the prospects for this new venture are extremely promising.”

*In June, Gateley Plc became the first UK commercial law firm admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange