A leading Warwickshire lawyer is returning to his legal roots.

Richard Oilis, 52, is joining leading South Warwickshire law firm Lodders, as partner. He officially takes up his new role on Saturday, 1 May.

According to Nigel Phillips, senior partner at Lodders, the appointment is part of Lodders' strategy to develop further the firm's commercial department.

"We are one of the longest established legal practices in Warwickshire, with ten partners and over 70 staff. As well as our vibrant and developing commercial practice we boast one of the largest private client departments in the Midlands," he said.

"However, following the acquisition of the Stratford and Shipston practice of FB Hancock & Co in 1997, we have focussed our efforts on building our strengths in commercial and commercial property law.

"We have known Richard for many years and we are delighted that he has accepted our invitation to join the firm. His expertise and experience will be invaluable to our clients at a time when we are seeing an upturn in commercial activity across the board."

Richard Oilis was, for twenty years, a senior partner and, latterly, managing partner at Needham & James and played a key role in the national merger of that firm (apart from its Stratford office) with law firm Dibb Lupton Alsop in 1993.

"Lodders is a highly respected firm and 1 am looking forward to working on my home territory in a dynamic and enthusiastic practice where 1 can really make a difference," he said.