One of the longest-serving members of staff at law firm Furley Page has retired after 43 years of service.

Peter Hawkes has stepped down as senior partner and head of dispute resolution at the firm which has offices in Canterbury, Whitstable and Chatham.

Joining Furley Page as a trainee in 1979, he became a partner in 1983. He went on to be appointed head of the dispute resolution team, and was also elected senior partner in 2001.

Jeremy Licence, managing partner at Furley Page, said: “Peter has overseen the continual growth and development of the firm, establishing Furley Page as one of the top law firms in the South East. It has been a pleasure to work with him for many years, and we all wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Partner George Crofton-Martin takes over the dispute resolution team.

Meanwhile, residential property law specialist Darren Philpot has been promoted to partner, having joined the firm as a senior associate in 2019.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent