New chapter for Coodes Solicitors as Elise Alma appointed Chair

Coodes Solicitors, has announced a new chapter in its more than 275-year history with the appointment of Elise Alma as its new Chair.

Founded in 1747, Coodes is part of the fabric of the South West, with more than 180 staff and a network of eight offices in Cornwall and Devon, advising individuals, families and businesses – in many cases over multiple generations on the legal issues that shape their lives and futures.

Elise takes over as Chair from Peter Lamble, who is retiring having led the firm since 2014 and presided over significant growth, which has seen Coodes become an £11 million-plus business and among the top four per cent of UK law firms by turnover.

Already a member of the firm’s executive board and with a distinguished career in family law spanning more than three decades, Elise brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills to the role.

Commenting on her appointment, Elise Alma, said: “I am honoured and very proud to follow in the footsteps of those who have led Coodes throughout its history and to have the opportunity lead the fabulous team of people that make up the firm today.

“Coodes has been an important part of Cornwall and Devon for a long time, growing and evolving to support our community and meet the changing needs of individuals, families and businesses. Indeed, we are lifelong legal partners for many of our clients for whom we are proud to say we are “your lawyers for life”.

“In taking on the role of Chair, I want to thank Peter Lamble who has been an excellent, forward-thinking leader and a wonderful mentor for so many within Coodes over many years and is hugely respected both inside and outside the firm.

“It is a dynamic and exciting time for Coodes and I am ambitious to build on our success and momentum as we continue to grow as a firm while remaining true to our roots and our values.”

Elise joined the firm in 1987 and was instrumental in developing and leading the Family Law team as it grew from just two lawyers to one of the largest and most highly regarded in the region.

Her expertise is widely recognised. She is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Panel, a longstanding Resolution-accredited specialist in financial disputes and domestic abuse and a member of the Law Society Family Panel.

Beyond her practice, Elise has been more widely involved in the legal profession in the South West. A former President of both Cornwall Law Society and the Association of South Western Law Societies, she has helped influence policy, championed professional development and mentored emerging generations of legal talent.

Peter Lamble, who is retiring after 23 years with Coodes, including 11 years as its first Chair, said: “I am incredibly proud of the role Coodes plays in supporting communities across Cornwall and Devon and it has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated colleagues as custodians of this great firm.

“Among the greatest rewards has been the opportunity to nurture emerging talent, grow the number of business owners within Coodes and to see, for the first time in our history, more female partners than male.

“Throughout my time at Coodes, we have remained true to the values that have defined the firm from the very beginning, while embracing change and adapting to the evolving landscape of law, our region and society as a whole. Elise has been instrumental in that journey and she has my warmest best wishes for her leadership as she guides Coodes into its next chapter.”

With eight offices located throughout Cornwall and Devon, Coodes Solicitors has built a well-deserved reputation for providing individuals and businesses with exceptional legal services and is recognised as a leading law firm in both the Legal 500 and UK Chambers and Partners guides.

Its successful approach of maintaining a strong presence in its local communities has seen the firm grow, in the process providing rewarding, high-quality employment in the region. Since April 2023, the firm has expanded its team by nearly 15 per cent, reinforcing its role as a key employer in Cornwall and across the South West.

Its highly skilled and specialist lawyers provide expertise in wide-ranging and niche areas of legal practice.