A YORK law firm is bidding farewell to a family solicitor who has served more than 33 years with the business.

A celebratory event is being held next week at Merchant Taylors Hall, in Aldwark, to mark the retirement of Jonathan Leach, from Ware & Kay solicitors.

Having served at the firm's York office in Peasholme Green and its Wetherby office, Mr Leach played a key role in setting up Ware & Kay's Mediation Department.

Mr Leach also serves as a part-time Deputy District Judge for York, and is Acting Senior Coroner, with both roles set to continue following his retirement.

He is also a member of and an assessor for the Law Society Family Law Panel and Assistant Coroner for West Yorkshire Eastern District.

Mr Leach said: "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work at Ware & Kay.

"I have enjoyed a long and satisfying career and have made many friends amongst my clients, colleagues and local contacts, many of whom I have advised and worked with for a number of years.

"I am proud of what we have achieved and accomplished together. The directors have laid out a vision for the firm that will guide Ware & Kay for many years to come and this gives me great confidence about Ware & Kay’s future success."

Mr Leach was educated at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley and Liverpool University. Following several years of study and training in Leeds he moved to York in January 1982 which led to him becoming managing partner, before taking up the role of consultant and head of the Family Department, and remaining at Ware Kay for the whole of his working career.

Peter Kay, senior director of Ware & Kay, said: "Jonathan has been an outstanding solicitor for the clients of Ware & Kay both in his capacity as a partner and latterly as a consultant.

"He has been a powerful advocate for the solicitors’ profession and has delivered exceptional service to the firm.

"He has an enviable client following and in-depth level of expertise and he will be a tough act to follow. He has transformed the Family Department during his tenure and provided an influential voice in the firm and we wish him all the best for the future."

Ware & Kay has recently appointed Robert Bellhouse to the Family Team to take forward Mr Leach's case load.