Hampshire: Catherine Maxfield to retire from Eric Robinson Solicitors

On the 20^th anniversary of her joining the firm, and after leading a period of pioneering change, it is with best wishes and gratitude that law firm Eric Robinson Solicitors has announced the retirement of partner Catherine Maxfield.

In 1998 Maxfield made the move from London to Hampshire to join the family team at Eric Robinson Solicitors’ offices in Chandler's Ford. Over the following three years, she advised clients in a variety of divorce and family matters, was given leadership of the department and subsequently invited to join the firm’s partnership.

Maxfield became a full equity partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors in 2007, taking firm-wide responsibilities for the management of resources and HR areas including staff appraisals, and training.

In 2013, after celebrations of 35 years’ service and the retirement of one of the firm’s first partners, Graham Payne, Maxfield was elected the firm’s first ever female managing partner. 

During her five-year tenure, Eric Robinson Solicitors celebrated its 50th anniversary throughout 2014, introduced new technology and innovations to develop client service, and embarked on an expansion programme with new offices in Winchester, Lymington, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Bracknell and Richmond.

"Catherine has held an important role over a period of tremendous change and exciting development," said David Lawrence, senior partner. "We are very grateful for her time, commitment and intense focus over the past five years, helping the firm negotiate unprecedented change in the legal profession and emerge stronger than before."

"Eric Robinson Solicitors has been the biggest part of my legal career, both in terms of time and achievement," said Maxfield, who will be leaving the firm in September. "After 20 years’ service, 10 as partner and five managing change, it feels the right time to explore other areas life has to offer. I would like to thank my fellow partners, staff, clients and associates, past and present, for an unforgettable journey and look forward to what the future holds for us all."

Partner Emily Taylor is also leaving the firm to pursue new ventures. She first entered the doors of Eric Robinson Solicitors 19 years ago on a work experience placement.  After studying law at the University of Southampton and Guildford Law School, she returned to the firm and was given a training contract before rising to become a partner and the head of wills, trusts and succession in 2014.