After 40 years at Tompkins Wake Michael Jackson will retire on 31 October. Approaching the end of a long and successful career, he is adamant it is his clients who have been the key to his success.
On the 8th of September, Tompkins Wake hosted a function attended by over 200 staff and guests. Held at the newly-opened Claudelands Event Centre, the purpose of the evening was twofold: to recognise the end of Michael Jackson’s 40 year tenure at Tompkins Wake, and to pay tribute to the clients who have meant so much to him over the course of his career.
Michael himself preferred to think of the evening as a thank you to his clients; people who in many cases have become personal friends. However, the large number of people in attendance also bore testament to the contribution Michael has made over the years.
For many years, Michael was the Chairman of Partners at Tompkins Wake and he has always been a passionate advocate of Hamilton and the Waikato. Having spent much of his career as a generalist practitioner with a broad knowledge of many facets of the law, his expertise has provided guidance for many families and organisations in this region.
Michael signalled his intention to retire three years ago, giving the firm plenty of time to put a succession plan in place. Part of this plan was the addition of Peter Fanning to the Tompkins Wake team, in 2009.
Michael is confident that between Peter Fanning and the rest of the Tompkins Wake team, he leaves his clients in safe hands. Peter Fanning is a personal asset planning and property law specialist. In particular, he has a special interest in the farming sector and the structuring of major commercial property transactions.
With over 22 years experience, Peter enjoys building long term relationships with his clients, assisting them to develop, grow and manage their businesses.
With a month to go before his retirement, Michael Jackson continues to enjoy talking to his clients, ensuring they are informed and prepared for his departure. He invites any clients, who haven’t already done so, to get in touch so that he can arrange a personal handover to the correct member of the Tompkins Wake team.
Everyone at Tompkins Wake congratulates Michael on his career and wishes him all the very best for an enjoyable, well-earned retirement.
