The 1st October 2021 marked some major internal changes for Goughs Solicitors, as Managing Partner, Kevin Basnett, stepped down from the role after 10 years, to be replaced by Matthew Drew.

After joining the firm in 1981 as a trainee solicitor, and specialising in Employment Law, Kevin Basnett worked his way up the ranks to become Finance Partner in 2004 and Managing Partner in 2011 Kevin has seen many changes over his time at Goughs, including the merger with Middletons of Trowbridge and the growth of the firm from about 30 people when he started to 114 now Over the years, Kevin’s management responsibilities have included personnel, project and performance management, succession and strategic planning and practice development. Dealing with those issues internally everyday ensured that when advising clients, he was able to approach advice in a commercial, realistic, pragmatic and logical manner.

On stepping down from the role of Managing Partner, Kevin said,

“I’ve had a great career with Goughs and looking back I can’t believe how lucky I have been, firstly to have trained and qualified with Goughs and then being given all the opportunities I have enjoyed to develop a very fulfilling, varied and rewarding career working with a wonderful team of colleagues and partners.”

Matthew Drew has led Goughs’ Family department for the last 14 years, whilst specialising in complex, high-value financial cases following on from divorce and separation. Matthew also has a great deal of experience in private law Children Act cases, particularly acting for parents in relation to Child Arrangement Orders. As the firm’s Finance Partner, he is responsible for the financial management of the practice, as well as being a member of the Armed Forces sector team and sitting on the firm’s Management Board.

Matthew commented,

“I feel very privileged to be taking over the role of Managing Partner in such a successful and forward thinking law firm. I already have a great team around me who will continue to focus on the Goughs values which include ‘Excellence’, ‘Accountability’ and ‘Engagement’. These values ensure we provide an outstanding service for our clients whilst really looking after all those who work at Goughs.”

With Matthew moving from his role as Head of the Family department, to Managing Partner, Thomas Boyce is taking over as the new department head. Thomas studied at Jesus College, Oxford, and the University of the West Of England before joining Burges Salmon in 2003 where he subsequently qualified as a Solicitor. He then joined Goughs in April 2015, becoming a Partner in 2016. Thomas is an experienced family law specialist and advises a wide range of clients, both married and unmarried, on the implications of relationship breakdown.

On taking over the Family department, Thomas said,

“It is an honour to be taking on the management of the Family department at Goughs. I am privileged to lead a fabulous team of lawyers who are consistently recognised by our clients for the support they give and by the leading legal directories for their expertise. Our lawyers are all supported by experienced and hard working assistants across the firm to enable us to work as a team to provide an excellent service for our clients.”

Goughs Solicitors provide a wide range of legal services for individuals, families, and businesses. To get in touch, please contact info@goughs.co.uk or visit www.goughs.co.uk for more information.