"So long and thanks for all the fish."
Eddie Goldsmith (pictured) has retired after 35 years with GWlegal, known as Goldsmith Williams until May last year.
Goldsmith, who co-founded Goldsmith Williams Solicitors in 1984 with Christopher Williams, made the announcement on LinkedIn.
He said: “After 35 years as a partner of GWLegal (Goldsmith Williams) I am now officially retired!!
“My thanks go out to all supporters of GW through our many years of working together.
“You have made my journey hugely enjoyable and I’ve made many good friends – lots of highs and memories to savour.
“As Douglas Adams put it 'So long and thanks for all the fish'.”
He won't entirely step away from the industry however.
Goldsmith will continue his involvement with trade body the Conveyancing Association as a senior adviser.
Indeed, he is still highly driven about digitilising the conveyancing process.
Tributes
Christopher Williams wished his long-term business partner well.
He said: “It’s sad but expected. It’s something Eddie’s been working to over the last couple of years and we wish him all the best.
“He will be able to dedicate more time to the Conveyancing Association which I know he loves.”
Williams looked back on the 30-plus years spent with Goldsmith.
He added: “Goldsmith Williams started off with one and a half secretaries [one part-time and one full-time] two offices, my wife was on maternity leave and she did my accounts.
“There’s been lots of excitement; lots of highs and lows, particularly post-credit crunch, you see good friends go away and lose their businesses.”
But there were some notable highs.
One of the greatest achievements they shared was at conference in Atlanta, USA, where as an example of the best use of technology GWlegal's online case management tool GWlive was beamed onto the screen.
Williams said: “We had no idea that would be shown all round the world – to as far away as China believe it or not. That was a high.
“However the nicest part of acting as a professional is getting thankyou’s from clients and introducers.”
Tributes also poured in for Goldsmith on LinkedIn, with 100 likes and 48 comments on his post at the time of writing.
Michael Stephen Day, managing director of chartered surveyor Integra Property Surveyors, said: “Well done Eddie. You have been a great industry player and advocate for improvement and the raising of standards. Pleasure to have worked with you over many years.
“Enjoy the guitar playing, Chianti drinking and Liverpool results (except when you are up against the mighty Hornets!) Best wishes.”
Julian Sampson, partner at TWM Solicitors LLP, said: “Congratulations Eddie Goldsmith - enjoy whatever the future may bring.
“You’ve been an absolute pleasure and inspiration to follow these last 20 years and your consummate charm and support has been a real honour to enjoy.
“GW and conveyancing have a lot to thank you for, even if we don’t always acknowledge it!”
Andy Valvona, national account manager at Fleet Mortgages, said: “Congratulations Eddie! Have fun!”
History of GWlegal
When it launched in 1984 Goldsmith Williams Solicitors focused on domestic conveyancing at the firm’s two offices: Eddie’s at Allerton Road in Liverpool and Prenton on the Wirral where Williams was based.
In 1986 senior partner Simon Cottrell joined, establishing a department for personal injury.
The solicitor firm moved to a larger city centre location in 1989. Seven years later in 1996 the Wirral office was closed and teams were combined.
In 2002 Goldsmith Williams bought Mersey Chambers, the former headquarters of Harrison Line Shipping Group. After a 16 month-renovation project, this Grade II listed building was ready and the staff moved in.
The firm launched GWlive, in 2006, enabling introducers to open cases and follow their progress in real-time.
Last year the firm moved into a custom-designed office space in the heart of the Liverpool business district, 20 Chapel Street.
