Paris Smith LLP

Long-serving leader is succeeded as Senior Partner by Property Partner Stuart AllenParis Smith is celebrating the remarkable career of Peter Taylor as he retires from the firm after 35 years of dedicated service, leadership and contribution to the business community across Hampshire and the wider region.Over more than three decades, Peter has made an enduring contribution to Paris Smith as a lawyer, colleague and leader. He served as Managing Partner from 2015 to 2022, steering the firm through a period of significant development and through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership combined calm judgement, collaboration and a clear focus on supporting the firm’s people, clients and communities.In 2022, Peter handed over the baton of Managing Partner to Huw Miles and became Senior Partner, taking responsibility for leading the firm’s strategy and purpose. In that role, he helped shape Paris Smith’s direction and championed sustainable growth, strong client relationships and a culture in which people are supported to fulfil their potential.Peter’s influence has also extended far beyond the firm. He served as President of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and as Chair of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce leadership team, using those positions to champion regional enterprise, collaboration and economic opportunity. He has given his time to a number of community organisations as a trustee and, for many years, served as Vice - Chair of Governors at West Hill Park School in Fareham.Reflecting on his retirement, Peter Taylor said: “It has been an enormous privilege to spend the past 35 years at Paris Smith and to work alongside so many talented and committed people. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, particularly the way the firm supported its clients, colleagues and communities through periods of profound change. Paris Smith’s strength has always come from its people and its shared sense of purpose. I leave with lasting gratitude, great confidence in the firm’s future and every good wish for Stuart and the team as they take the next chapter forward.”Stuart Allen, a Property Partner with extensive experience in property finance, leadership and management, succeeds Peter as Senior Partner. Stuart will lead the strategic board which has responsibility for the overall direction and success of Paris Smith, working with the firm’s leadership team to continue its strategic growth while maintaining its focus on the changing future needs of its clients and staff.Stuart Allen said: “Peter’s contribution to Paris Smith over 35 years has been exceptional. His integrity, thoughtful leadership and commitment to helping others thrive have shaped the firm and earned deep respect across the region. It is an honour to succeed him as Senior Partner. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to build on the strong foundations Peter has helped create, continue our strategic growth and ensure that Paris Smith remains responsive to the changing future needs of its staff and the businesses and organisations we work alongside.Paris Smith thanks Peter for his outstanding service and wishes him a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.

Paris Smith has been named Employer of the Year at the Solent SME Growth 100 Awards, celebrating the region’s most successful and forward-thinking businesses.The award recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to their people, workplace culture, and investment in employee development. Paris Smith was recognised for its inclusive and supportive working environment, strong focus on wellbeing, and dedication to nurturing talent across all levels of the firm.This achievement reflects the firm’s continued investment in its people, including structured career development opportunities, flexible working initiatives, and a culture built on collaboration, respect, and trust.Huw Miles, Managing Partner at Paris Smith, said: “We are humbled to have been named Employer of the Year. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reflects the culture we have built together. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can develop, feel supported, and perform at their best, in a business which values its freedom to do so.”The Solent SME Growth 100 Awards celebrate high-performing businesses across the region, recognising excellence in growth, innovation and leadership. Winning Employer of the Year further reinforces Paris Smith’s reputation as a leading regional law firm and an employer of choice in the South of England.

Paris Smith is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the Corporate Law Firm of the Year category at the South Coast Deals Awards 2026.The awards celebrate excellence across the South Coast’s corporate and dealmaking community, recognising the advisers, funders, investors and professional teams supporting the region’s most significant transactions and business growth.Paris Smith’s shortlisting recognises the strength, expertise and commitment of its Corporate team, which advises businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast and beyond on a wide range of corporate transactions.Richard Atcherley, Corporate Partner at Paris Smith, said: “This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work, expertise and commitment of everyone in the team, as well as the trust placed in us by our clients and professional partners.  We are proud to support businesses, owners, entrepreneurs and investors across the South Coast, and it is a real honour to be recognised among the region’s leading dealmaking advisers. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the corporate finance community at the awards evening in September.” The winners will be announced at a black-tie awards evening on Thursday 10 September 2026 at Leonardo Royal Southampton, West Quay Road, Southampton. The event will be hosted by Mark Durden-Smith.Paris Smith will be sharing the news across its social media channels using the event hashtag #SCDA26.