A law firm that has been operating in the South West for nearly 300 years has appointed a new chair.
Elise Alma has joined the board of Coodes Solicitors, which was founded in 1747 and has eight offices in Devon and Cornwall, and employs more than 180 staff.
She has taken over from Peter Lamble, who is retiring having led the firm since 2014 and presided over the company's growth, which has seen Coodes become an £11m-plus business.
Ms Alma, who joined the firm in 1987 and has spent more than 30 years working in family law, said: “I am honoured and very proud to follow in the footsteps of those who have led Coodes throughout its history and to have the opportunity lead the fabulous team of people that make up the firm today.
“Coodes has been an important part of Cornwall and Devon for a long time, growing and evolving to support our community and meet the changing needs of individuals, families and businesses."
She added: “In taking on the role of chair, I want to thank Peter Lamble who has been an excellent, forward-thinking leader and a wonderful mentor for so many within Coodes over many years and is hugely respected both inside and outside the firm."
Ms Alma is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Panel, a longstanding Resolution-accredited specialist in financial disputes and domestic abuse and a member of the Law Society Family Panel.
She is also the former president of Cornwall Law Society and the Association of South Western Law Societies.
Mr Lamble said: "I am incredibly proud of the role Coodes plays in supporting communities across Cornwall and Devon and it has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated colleagues as custodians of this great firm.
"Among the greatest rewards has been the opportunity to nurture emerging talent, grow the number of business owners within Coodes and to see, for the first time in our history, more female partners than male."
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