A senior figure in the Midlands legal profession is celebrating this month as he reaches the significant milestone of 50 years working in the law.
David Higgs joined his family firm, Higgs & Sons, in August 1957 as an articled clerk and has been with the Black Country-based firm ever since.
"The past 50 years have passed far too quickly and I don't feel any different now than I did then - I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Higgs," said Mr Higgs, who was honoured with a celebratory lunch by the partners in the firm.
He was born in 1940 and educated at Bromsgrove School. On leaving he was articled for five years to his uncle George Higgs and admitted as a solicitor in 1963.
He is one of the 'old school' of lawyers and has witnessed many changes in the profession.
Mr Higgs said: "IT has opened up so many avenues for the modern practice - though the merits of a hand written letter should never be underestimated!"
He is proud of the way in which Higgs & Sons, founded by his grandfather in 1875, has progressed.
When he qualified, solicitors were very much general practitioners and developed a close relationship with their clients advising them on a wide range of legal matters. Now solicitors tend to be specialist practitioners focusing on particular areas of the law.
Higgs & Sons has always upheld the view that the best way of driving the firm forward is by giving a personal and quality service at the right price, and developing long-term relationships with clients.
Mr Higgs is a past president of both the Dudley & District Law Society and Birmingham Law Society. He was appointed senior partner of Higgs & Sons in 1987, a position which he held until 2003. Since then he has served the firm as a consultant.
