The law firm Thomas Eggar LLP has announced that Matthew Kelly is to join the employment team as partner today (1 July 2010).

Matthew joins at a very exciting time for the firm following a flurry of new business wins, including instruction by premium food retailer Pret a Manger. Formerly with Eversheds, Matthew will be responsible for reinforcing the strong activity undertaken by the employment practice group at Thomas Eggar’s office in London.

Matthew has been a lawyer for over 12 years and has gained extensive experience advising clients on a broad range of employment law and governance issues. Starting out as a trainee solicitor at Pinsent Masons, he then progressed to the role of solicitor at Tite & Lewis (now part of Lawrence Graham LLP) before joining Eversheds in 2003.

On his appointment as partner at Thomas Eggar, Matthew comments: “I am delighted to be joining the employment team at such an exciting time for the firm, and very much look forward to getting stuck into the role. We as a team are primed to push on and deliver the high quality service our clients have come to expect. I relish the opportunity to turn my skills to a fresh challenge.”

Commenting on Matthew’s appointment, Simon Fenton, head of the employment practice group at Thomas Eggar LLP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matthew to the employment team as partner. With some excellent business wins already under our belt, this year is poised to be another very successful one for the group. I am confident that the work Matthew undertakes for the firm will not only help maintain our momentum, but build on its rapidly increasing reputation.”

Notes to editors

Thomas Eggar LLP is a leading law firm in the south of England providing legal services to both commercial organisations and private individuals.

Thomas Eggar LLP has specialist, industry-specific legal expertise that is relied upon by national and international clients. The firm has a strong reputation acting for both corporates and wealthy private individuals and has been in existence for over 250 years.

The firm has been recognised as an Age Positive employer. Age Positive is a Government initiated campaign that promotes the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce including younger, as well as older, people. It also encourages employers to make decisions about training and recruitment, which does not discriminate against age.