ONE of Dorset’s longest serving solicitors has retired after a distinguished legal career spanning six decades.

Hugh Craig has stepped down after 57 years of service in the profession – including the last 11 years as a consultant solicitor in business services at Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has an office in Swanage.

The veteran law expert called it a day with the best wishes of colleagues from Ellis Jones’ six offices - from across Dorset and London - ringing in his ears.

Nigel Smith, managing partner, said: "Hugh has been a tremendous credit to the legal profession over many decades.

"It's unlikely that there are many solicitors with his depth of experience and expertise who have accomplished so much during their professional careers.

"It has been a privilege for all at Ellis Jones to work alongside Hugh for the past 11 years and be able to draw upon his advice and guidance.

"My sincere thanks go to Hugh on behalf of Ellis Jones for all he has done for the firm and its clients.

"He will be sorely missed and our very best wishes go to him for a long and enjoyable retirement."

Mr Craig consistently received independent endorsement of his expertise in The Legal 500 guide.

He was named as a Recommended Lawyer for Business Services in the 2022 edition where he was recognised for his work on equity investments and described as a ‘veteran transactional lawyer’.

Mr Craig said: "I'll be forever grateful for the opportunities and long career for which I have been given by the law and to Ellis Jones for enabling me to extend and finish my career in such a progressive firm with so many positive and friendly colleagues."

read law at the University of Cambridge’s Downing College and graduated in 1962.

He joined a Liverpool firm, Laces, for his traineeship and qualified as a solicitor in 1965, before moving to London in the mid-1960s, joining Coward Chance, now Clifford Chance, where he stayed until 1970 when he joined Bates Wells.

Over the next 35 years he worked as a corporate lawyer, senior partner and head of the company commercial department of Bates Wells until he retired as a partner and became a consultant solicitor with Ellis Jones.