A WIDELY experienced Halesowen solicitor is set to retire this month after more than 40 years of working in the profession.

Richard Price began training in the late 1970s and was admitted as a solicitor in 1982 where he has specialised in wills, trusts, probate and the administration of estates, powers of attorney, other court of protection work and the law relating to people with learning disabilities.

The son of the late Eric Price, a former Justices’ Clerk of Halesowen and Stourbridge, Richard joined Thursfields Solicitors in 2013 when the company opened its office in Halesowen, where he then also specialised in residential and commercial conveyancing.

Nick O’Hara, managing director of Thursfields, said: “We were very fortunate to have secured the services of Richard for the last five years of his career, and he’s been a great asset to Thursfields as we have established and grown our reputation in Halesowen.”

Richard is well known in the local community having grown up and lived in the town for many years and through his long association with local sporting clubs, his National Trust volunteering, and his service as a school governor and charity trustee.

He said: “I feel lucky to have enjoyed my entire career in my home town of Halesowen, hopefully carrying on the family’s legal traditions planted in the town by my late father.

“It’s been a pleasure working with and helping local people, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last five years in particular, helping to establish the name of Thursfields in Halesowen.”

He said he is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife Pauline, son Joe, twin grandsons Ben and Nathan along with his wider family and friends, as well as pursuing his other interests and hobbies.

Michelle Hetheridge, head of Thursfields’ Wills and Estates department and based in Halesowen, said: “We are grateful to him for his skills and experience during the time he has been with us, and in many ways will miss his presence.

“But Richard deserves a long and happy retirement, and I’m sure we’ll keep in touch with him and see him at our regular events in the town.”

Patricia Venables, a solicitor who has recently joined Thursfields, will take over matters.