Richard Burns, the former senior partner of national giant
Hammonds, died yesterday (20 May).
Burns, who was one of Hammonds’ best-known lawyers and a heavyweight corporate lawyer in the Leeds regional market, passed away aged just 49 following an illness.
He joined Hammonds in 1981, becoming a partner in 1986 and going on to hold a number of senior roles with the firm, including a four-year stint as senior partner between 2002 and 2006.
Burns was married to the firm’s recently-installed chief operations officer, Sue Nickson, who headed up the employment team before taking on the management role in March. Most recently, Burns advised on Illinois Tool Works’ £1bn takeover bid for kitchen equipment manufacturer Enodis.
Commenting on the news, Hammonds managing partner Peter Crossley said: “We are devastated by Richard's sudden and tragic death. Richard was a great lawyer with huge intellect, vision and unwavering commitment to the firm.
“His boundless energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Click here to share your recollections of Richard.
I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Richard's death.I first got to know Richard when he was a young assistant in Bardford working on the opposite side of a transaction. I could tell then that he was destined for a glittering career and he did not let me down. Over the years we became friends and he will be greatly missed by all his colleagues, family and friends.
Many years ago he 'interviwed' me. Great passion for his Firm AND vision about where the Law was going and where Law Firms needed to go. He will be missed.
I too was shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's death. I was his trainee in the late 80s and later on a partner at the firm and remember the great sense of fun and commitment he brought to deals. It was always a pleasure working with him.
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