WAB would not be the place it is without our people. In WABChats, we talk to some of our team and find out more about the people behind the firm. Whether they’re giving expert advice to clients or running essential business services, our team members’ varied backgrounds, skills and expertise make WAB what it is.

In the latest WABChat, we sat down with WAB’s newest team member Richard Wilkin, who joined our Commercial team as an Associate this week!

How did you end up with a career in law?

I studied Classics at University in St Andrews, following my interest in the history and culture of the ancient world. After graduating, I enrolled on the law conversion course at the Guildford University of Law, attracted by the variety and practicality of a career in law. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2014 at Stevens & Bolton LLP in Guildford, where I have specialised in commercial real estate law ever since and I’m now really looking forward to expanding my knowledge into commercial law in my role at White & Black!

Richard Wilkin, Commercial Associate

What most excites you about joining WAB?

I’m most excited about getting to know the close-knit team here at WAB. I’m excited to be able to contribute to, and share in, the knowledge of the team and ultimately more effectively help our clients. I want to provide tailored legal advice that is catered to our client’s specific business needs and objectives!

How do you see your area of law developing in the next few years?

I think green practices and cred entials will become increasingly important to businesses over the next few years. This will be driven in part by the public placing more and more value on environmental conservation, but also  due to potential additional formal enticements and limitations on emissions. I’m looking forward to helping our clients navigate new opportunities and legislative requirements in these areas.

The WAB Summer Social 2022

Do you have a ‘stand-out’ moment of your career so far?

One particular case that comes to mind is where I previously acted on the sale of a business of a national childcare provider, incorporating a portfolio of over 100 nursery properties. I led the real estate team to draft and negotiate documents on every property in order for the deal to complete within just three weeks!

What do you do when you’re not ‘lawyering’?

I am a keen fan of tabletop gaming, so can often be found on a Sunday hovering over my kitchen table with friends, overseeing various adventures and rolling dice. I am also a big fan of stand-up comedy (watching, not doing!) and enjoy attending backroom comedy gigs in London, where I’m based, in-between my annual pilgrimage to the Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve also newly dipped a toe in the world of golf, and look forward to one day being able to hit a ball in a straight line!