Jonathan Waters specialises in civil and commercial litigation, including employment law and personal injury.

The department has doubled in size under his control since joining the company in 2003.

Mr Waters said, "Given the growth of the firm in general and of the civil litigation department in particular, this is a good time to be made a partner of Stephen Rimmer and Co. I will continue to help the other partners to expand and enhance the services provided by the firm."

Jonathan, 44, grew up in Lewes and has a degree in business administration and computer science.

He retrained as a lawyer after a career in banking, initially qualifying as a non-practising barrister before becoming a solicitor.

The civil litigation department has a strong regional presence, giving litigation advice to local businesses and to the wider community.

For more information about services offered by Stephen Rimmer and Co visit www.stephenrimmer.com or telephone 01323 644222.