Bemrose and Ling: Solicitors mark 70 years' service

A FIRM of Derby solicitors has recently celebrated 70 years of legal service in the city.

Bemrose and Ling was founded in 1936 by Richard Ling, the son of a local accountant and former mayor of Derby.

Richard began practising above his father’s office in the Wardwick but, within three years, the Second World War had started and he was called up to serve his country.

After the war, additional staff were recruited and branch offices were opened in Ashby and Belper.

The 1950s saw the move to the present site at St Peter’s Churchyard, comprising a suite of first and second floor rooms.

In the 1970s, Richard’s son, David, joined the practice and continued the expansion of the firm. In order to concentrate on the main office in Derby, the branch offices were closed.

The 1980s saw the most rapid expansion of the firm, with the recruitment of two new partners Iain Donald and Malcolm Pattullo, and a number of legal executives.

In 1990 Bemrose & Ling amalgamated with C D Bowring & Co. Bowring’s office in Iron Gate was closed and the staff moved to St Peter’s Churchyard.

Mr Bowring became a consultant to the new firm and retired in 1995.

In a decade the number of staff increased from six to 34. To accommodate the larger numbers, the firm acquired the Central Educational building next door, converting the first floor and second floors into the present offices.

David Ling, who had been senior partner for 20 years, retired in June 2003 and was replaced by Iain Donald.

The firm now has two further partners, Sharon Busby and Tessa Dunleavy, providing a full legal service to the local community.