Partner in one of the Tauranga's top law firms steps down

Well-known Tauranga lawyer Bill Holland is stepping down as a partner of Holland Beckett Law firm after 40 years in the role.

The 67-year-old joined Holland Beckett in 1976 at age 24 and became a partner in 1979 after his late father William Sydney Holland, also known as Bill, passed the baton to him.

Holland said his partnership/management role in the firm comes to an end on March 31 but was staying on as a consultant.

His decision to step down as a partner, announced to his colleagues in June last year, predated his recent battle with cancer

Holland recently received the news that his cancer was now in remission.

Well-known Tauranga lawyer Bill Holland is stepping down from his role a partner of Holland Beckett Law firm. Photo/File

But he said the decision to retire as a partner had nothing to do with his recent health problems.

"I never wanted to be the sort of person who reaches the usual retirement age and had to be asked to leave.

"I wanted to step aside on my own terms and now is the right time to make way for new blood and give our upcoming lawyers the chance to come through," he said.

Holland said the management of the law firm was in "very safe hands" and he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife Sally and their two daughters.

Holland Beckett Law is one of the biggest law firms in the Bay of Plenty region, with more than 50 lawyers and offices in Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne.