EXETER'S legal world has been left saddened by the death of Simon Young, the former managing partner of Veitch Penny Solicitors, writes Mike Byrne.

Mr Young joined Veitch Penny in 1975 as an articled clerk, swiftly progressing into partnership on qualification.

He initially dealt with general private client work but gradually over the years his role within the firm developed into that of the managing partner and it was thanks to his foresight that the firm was one of the very first in England to achieve the Lexcel accreditation award.

His management role within the firm, as well as on the practical side, also kindled a more intellectual interest which lead to him pursuing his MBA in Legal Practice Management in Nottingham.

At that stage he also started to undertake work in the field of legal publishing and legal consultancy.

Mr Young's publications included Tolleys Limited Liability Partnerships handbook, the Partnerships Title of the Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents and the Law Society's New Partners Guide to Management.

He also became very well known as a speaker at seminars and conferences, both for national training contractors and in-house for many national and local firms. Mr Young joined the law management section in 1999 and became a member of their executive committee and in 2001 was elected to the Council of Law Society to represent that section.

He served on the council's standard board and regulatory affairs board and was chairman of its rules and ethics sub committee.

He left Veitch Penny in 2002 to pursue his legal management consultancy work and also his writing career, which continued to flourish and expand until his demise.

Mr Young's interests were many and notable and extended to both the practical and academic interest in the art of cookery, dining and fine wines, plus a love of cricket.

He will be missed by colleagues, friends and clients for his courtesy, kindness, intelligence and sense of humour.

IF you have lost a family member or loved one the Express & Echo can provide an obituary tribute outlining their lives and successes, their impact on family, friends, work mates and neighbours and their contribution to the community. If you would like to learn more of this free service, contact Mike Byrne on 01392 442238 , email mbyrne@expressandecho.co.uk or write to Mike Byrne, Express & Echo, Heron Road, Sowton, EX2 7NF.