Record Breaking Year for Historic Regional Law Firm
GA Solicitors, a growing law firm headquartered in Plymouth, is celebrating the conclusion of a record breaking financial year, 19 staff promotions, new staff members and the appointment of a new managing partner.
The firm, which has just passed a significant milestone of employing more than 100 staff, has concluded its financial year with an increase in turnover of 9% year on year. This growth was particularly due to strong performances from its commercial, private client and family teams.
Having seen consistent year on year growth, the firm’s turnover is now up by more than 55% since 2020, with profit margins also seeing a substantial uplift.
Moving into the 2026/27 financial year, the reigns of managing partner have been passed to GA’s previous head of employment, Rob Zacal. Rob takes over from David Wallis, who has been managing partner since July 2020. David will return to his previous role as a partner in the firm’s residential conveyancing department.
Rob’s step up was one of a record 19 promotions at GA Solicitors. Personal injury solicitor, Kevin Digby, was promoted to equity partner; employment partner Kate Watson became head of employment; family law partner, Gloria Dyer, was made head of private family law and longstanding staff member Karen Lawrence was promoted to head of cashiers. In addition, six staff members were made senior associates and a further eight team members were made associates within the firm.
A number of new recruits also joined the firm in March and April, helping GA to reach an important milestone of employing more than 100 staff members. This is the largest number of GA Solicitors staff in the firm’s 200 year history.
Speaking of his new role as managing partner, and of the firm’s overarching success, Rob Zacal said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to take over as managing partner of GA Solicitors. David Wallis has worked hard over the last six years to position GA as one of the leading legal firms in the South West. This has been proven by both the growth in turnover and our increased headcount.
“The legal sector remains incredibly competitive, so we will not rest on our laurels, but continue to offer high level legal advice and client service, as well as remain a strong advocate for our staff. We would not be in the position we are now without the support and hard work of all of our staff so a huge thank you to them.”
David Wallis, partner of GA Solicitors and previous managing partner, added: “I am very proud of how the firm has grown and developed over the last six years, and in particular the last 12 months. We have not only seen strong financial growth, but have also achieved record rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, as well as securing an incredible Lexcel inspection by the Law Society which saw us achieve more areas of good practice than ever before.
“This was topped by us raising our highest ever amount for our charity of the year, with a cheque provided to Jeremiah’s Journey at the start of this year for a record £6,100. In addition, we planted nearly 2000 trees and worked hard to reduce our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on our local community.
“All in all, the 2025/26 financial year was one which all staff at GA Solicitors should feel very proud. I know I do, and I am very confident that Rob and the other partners and staff will only continue to take the firm forward. I look forward to continuing this journey with them.”
With more than 200 years of heritage, GA Solicitors is a regional law firm, headquartered in Plymouth, with 101 members of staff. It offers guidance across eight specialist departments: business; family; employment; energy; dispute resolution; wills, trusts & probate; conveyancing and personal injury.
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