Veteran Browne Jacobson lawyer Tom Huggon retires after 50 years

Tom Huggon, the well-known Nottingham solicitor, has announced his retirement from Browne Jacobson, 50 years to the day since he started with the firm.

Tom had a broad practice, encompassing environmental and planning law, public law, civil litigation - in particular, liability claims for insurers of public bodies and also niche specialisms such as acting for many organisations in the world of natural medicines.

Tom joined Browne Jacobson and Roose, as it was known at the time, on 6 January 1970, to work with Norman Roose and two years later was promoted to partner.

During his 50 years in the profession, he has seen the firm grow from one office and 30 people to 5 UK offices and a team of over 1000.

In 2011 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nottinghamshire Law Society for his work as an environmental lawyer and passionate nature conservationist, as well as his public service which has spanned over four decades.

Caroline Green, Senior Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “Tom has been an institution in the firm and beyond and a tremendous ambassador for the legal profession. He has had a significant impact on the growth and development of our business, helping many of our key people to attain their potential and we have much to thank him for. We wish Tom all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”

Prior to joining the firm, Tom completed his articles for five years in his home town of Burnley at Southern Jobling and Ashworth (now Southerns Solicitors), a firm which was established in 1792.

In 1973, Tom was a founder member of the forerunner to the UK Environmental Law Association – the Solicitors Ecology Group – later the Lawyers Ecology Group. Throughout his career, Tom has been an active member and promoter of environmental law – particularly the law relating to nature conservation. Tom was Chair of the Association’s Nature Conservation Working Party for many years.

Beyond the firm Tom is Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Open and Green Spaces Champion of Nottingham City Council, President and a trustee of Nottingham Civic Society, former Chair and present Vice President of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Chair of Green's Windmill Trust as a result of which he is a specialist on George Green, the mathematician.

Award-winning Nottingham brewery and pub group, Castle Rock Brewery, have unveiled a new beer “Tom Huggon” in honour of Tom and his considerable public service to the city and county.