Robert Bartholomew Robert Bartholomew's family can trace its line back some 200 years in the Earls Colne/Halstead area. He joined the firm in 1971 as an Articled Clerk, indeed articled to his father who had been with the firm since before the last War. He was admitted in 1977 and became a Partner in1986. Initially he practised in Court and property work but gradually specialised in property work. For a period of 12 years from 1984 he worked from our Manningtree office and across the broad spectrum of a High Street Solicitors' practice. Since returning to Colchester he has specialised primarily in property work, both commercial and residential and in providing commercial advice to some Clients.

He enjoys practising law for the same reason that originally led him to it, perhaps despite his family's suggestions. "I chose a career in law. I remember once, in thought, finding that I needed to know and wanted to understand the law, how the relationships between people, society, are ordered. I like practising law: I like to help other people and still see the law as a way of giving that help. I like to see things organised and moving forwards." Four children leave very little time for recreation. Holidays in France in the summer but, beyond that, his main recreation is the building of wooden boats. He and his family have had a sailing cruiser for some 20 years and he has owned "….lots and lots of boats…" The children enjoy sailing, particularly dinghy sailing, and even he can water ski. His gardening skills are restricted to digging, under the eye of his wife, Jenny.