Following prestigious careers at Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP in Christchurch, Peter Watson-Lee and Anne Watson have retired from the firm. Peter joined Williams Thompson in 1983. Rising to become chairman, he was instrumental in the firm’s decision to specialise in the field of family law. Growing the firm, he was joined in 1993 by Anne Watson-Lee, a specialist property and private client work solicitor.

Having acted as a divorce and family law solicitor for over 30 years, Peter’s numerous achievements have included a position on the Law Society Council in London. He was also Chair of the Law Society’s Family Law Committee in London from 2000 to 2003. In this role, he helped to monitor and influence national developments in family law.

An influential figure in the field of family law, Peter has published numerous works including the first Family Law Protocol, which set the standards for family law when published in 2002. He was also one of the writers of the Family Justice Council’s publication Sorting out Finances on Divorce, aimed as an authoritative guide for the general public going through divorce proceedings.

Furthermore, Peter has written articles for both popular and specialist magazines, as well as advising a well-known TV Soap on family law issues. Most recently, Peter was presented with the highly sought-after Family Law Partner of the Year Award at the national Family Law Awards 2017 ceremony on London’s Southbank.

Peter Watson-Lee, said: “I have had a wonderful career at Williams Thompson as solicitor, partner and chairman. I retire with the confidence that the firm is in safe hands, with an exceptional group of specialists to lead it forward. I am proud to have contributed to Williams Thompson’s excellent reputation as one of the region’s leading family law practices.”

During her time at Williams Thompson, Anne Watson-Lee has dealt with both domestic conveyancing and commercial leases, acting as a commercial lease work solicitor for a well-known national company. She has also undertaken the preparation of Wills and the administration of estates. Anne Watson-Lee, said, “Whilst we are retiring from the firm, we know that we will always be a part of the Williams Thompson family. There exists a very close-knit team of Partners, Family Law specialists, Wills & Probate experts and Property Law professionals to carry on our work.’’