Welcome aboard!
Midlands law firm Thomas Guise has reason to celebrate as it announces the appointment of two new directors. Geoff Ellis and Tom Bartley-Smith, both associate solicitors at Thomas Guise, will become directors on 1 April.
The promotions mean Thomas Guise now has five directors across its offices in Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Managing director Wayne Thomas said: “We’re delighted that Geoff and Tom will be joining us at board level. Both have made a tremendous contribution to the success of the business over the past few years so it’s great to be able to reward them in this way.”
Geoff Ellis qualified in 1983 with a Liverpool city centre practice. He journeyed south in 1984, joining a practice in Droitwich before the move to Thomas Guise in 1999. Geoff heads the litigation team at Thomas Guise and is one of the county’s best known employment lawyers. Originally a criminal defence and family solicitor, Geoff now puts his advocacy skills to good use in the Employment Tribunals.
Outside the office, Geoff’s main passion is cricket, and he is a regular at Worcester’s New Road ground. He is also a fan of live music, and his eclectic taste makes him a deadly weapon on the firm’s quiz team.
Tom Bartley-Smith was born in Cheltenham and read law at Oxford. He joined Thomas Guise in 2008 and heads the corporate finance team. At the age of 28, Tom is possibly the youngest partner in a law firm in the county.
Tom works with the firm’s business clients, helping them set up, re-structure, merge, buy and sell. A committed ‘petrolhead’ (having owned 30 cars in the past 10 years), Tom is well known for his work in the motor trade. His clients also include a number of national care home groups.
Outside the office, Tom follows most forms of motorsport. When not trackside, Tom enjoys spending time with friends and family, and can often be found walking his terrier through the Worcestershire countryside.
To speak to Geoff or Tom, please call 01905 723131