New Partner welcomed at Wilkin Chapman solicitors

With a wealth of experience in employment and commercial law, most recently specialising within the legal sporting arena, Richard Parnell is welcomed as a new Partner at Wilkin Chapman solicitors.

A Lincolnshire family man, Richard’s career has grown within the county as he has progressed from trainee, through to senior solicitor and partner level – now joining the region’s leading law firm as a Partner within the highly-regarded Employment team.

A keen follower of all sport, he enjoyed a working life in the field of employment law before undertaking a Masters degree in Sports Law at Leicester’s De Montfort University. This led him to step out of private practice for a time, with spells working as commercial solicitor with the legal team at Sunderland Football Club and then as the first Head of Legal at newly promoted Lincoln City Football Club.

Of his time at Lincoln City, Richard reflects: “It was wonderful to be there at such a successful time, which saw the club first promoted back into the Football League, and then to promotion to League One this season. The work was extremely varied, from the regulatory and disciplinary side to complex issues involving players’ contracts.”

His new role at Wilkin Chapman comes at a time when Richard has also embarked on a PhD, in which he is examining the classification system within Paralympic sport. And while sport remains a focus for Richard, he is looking forward to expanding his portfolio once more to cover a wide range of employment work, which will also draw upon his extensive commercial knowledge and experience.

“Wilkin Chapman has a very good reputation and I felt the journey the firm is on, is one that I would like to join so I am very happy to be here and help to build on what already exists, while bringing something different to the team,” he said.

Welcoming Richard, Partner and Head of Employment Teresa Thomas said: “We are delighted that someone with Richard’s experience and breadth of knowledge has joined what is a progressive team that looks at practical and innovative ways to support clients across the Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire region.”