The founder of Essex and London law firm Rainer Hughes is celebrating his 90th birthday during Family Mediation Week – with the milestone also marking over 30 years since practising solicitor Brian Hughes qualified as a family mediator.
Hughes qualified as a solicitor in 1965 and founded the firm that would later become Rainer Hughes. With a legal career spanning more than six decades, he has seen enormous changes in the legal profession, but his passion for the law and dedication to his clients have never waned.
At 90, he remains actively involved in the firm, making him one of the UK’s longest-serving practising solicitors. Hughes qualified as a family mediator in 1995, and says he has dealt with almost every type of legal problem.
“During my years of service, I have been able to gain a wide overview of legal practice,” he said.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have reached this milestone. I cannot think of many of my original contemporaries who have lived as long as myself and I know of none who have wanted to continue to work beyond 70 years of age. My work has always been a source of great satisfaction to me and I have never felt that I wanted to retire from it.
“And, as someone heavily involved in assisting fellow solicitors, and members of the public with their legal affairs through my work and my involvement in District Law Societies and the Law Society itself at Chancery Lane, I feel that I have made a worthwhile contribution to the profession and to society.”
Imran Essa is partner at Rainer Hughes. He said:
“Brian is an absolute inspiration for us all. His experience, insight and work ethic continue to shape the culture of the firm.
“There can’t be many other 90-year-olds who are still practising, and while he has been asked many times why he hasn’t retired yet, his ongoing presence provides a tangible link between our origins and modern-day success.
“His career stands as a testament not only to longevity, but to a lifelong commitment to the law and to the clients he has served.”
