History of Practice
The firm was founded in 1932 by Cyril Morris, who originally practised from Mawdsley Street in the centre of Bolton, as a sole practitioner. As the years passed Cyril Morris was joined by Tom Arkwright and thus the firm acquired its present name. Mr. Arkwright specialised in Commercial and Company work and the practice therefore broadened its horizons and earned its reputation for commercial expertise.
Along the way Cyril and Tom were joined by Cyril's nephew Basil, and Tom's younger brother David, together with Michael Shipley and Tom Profit. In 1966 the firm moved to its present offices at Churchgate House. Martin Walsh joined the partnership in 1977, only to leave for a career at the Bar in 1990. Close links do however remain. Sadly, Basil Morris died in 1980.
The firm continued to prosper in the 1980'sand 1990s. In 1985 Louise Relph joined the partnership having served her Articles with us. Indeed David Arkwright, Tom Profit and Martin Walsh all served their Articles here. Changes occurred in May, 1994, when Graham Robinson became a Partner and Jill Allen joined the firm as a Consultant, having previously practised with her father as Douglas Haslam & Co. Jill departed in August, 1997 having been appointed a District Judge in London.
Since then, Paul Tonge and Mary Gracie joined us in 1999 and in the same year, the firm was pleased to appoint three new partners; Darin Millar, Joanne Barlow and Joanne Hutton (all of whom started with the practice as Trainees and qualified in 1994) to ensure continuity into the 21st century. We continue to train and encourage young lawyers and Jenny Scully and Sarah Thompson who were both Trainees with us have stayed on after qualifying in 1997 and 1998 respectively, joining the Family and Litigation departments.
What does emerge is the loyalty of all members of staff, many of whom have worked all their lives for the firm, which must say something positive about the firm's quality, solidarity and team spirit.
The firm is proud of its history within the town of Bolton. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, top quality service to all our clients.
