Tributes paid to property lawyer Martyn Morgan
One of the Black Country's most respected lawyers has died following a stroke.
Tributes have been paid to Martyn Morgan, who headed QualitySolicitors Talbots in Wolverhampton.
He died aged 60 at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and leaves behind his wife Mary and five children.
The Stourbridge-born residential property specialist was a popular figure and renowned among his colleagues for his sense of humour and commitment to his work.
Mr Morgan was a former student at King Edward VI Grammar School and had just overseen the George Street company's best ever year in business, achieving £8 million of annual fees and guiding it to a position in the top 20 conveyancing firms in the UK.
Rachel Pardoe, the company's practice director, said: "Everyone is shocked and naturally saddened by Martyn's sudden passing and our thoughts are with Mary and their children.
"He was the heartbeat of the business and wasn't afraid to try new ideas and innovate the way we did things in what is still a very traditional sector.
"Despite his immense workload he would always make time for people and, more times than not, his larger than life character would brighten up the day with one of his trademark comments or witty jokes.
"As a business, we will continue to work hard to ensure Martyn's vision - to remain one of the premier law firms in the West Midlands - is achieved. He always believed that local people and businesses shouldn't have to travel to the big cities and pay extortionate fees to get the right legal advice when they need it most."
Mr Morgan took over Quality Solicitors in 1991 when the practice had only a handful of staff. The company now boasts 190 employees and seven offices across the Black Country and Worcestershire.
Away from the law firm, he was a massive Aston Villa fan and enjoyed keeping fit, taking part in both the London and New York marathons.
Ms Pardoe added: "Talbots was like a second family to Martyn and he would have wanted us to get back to business as soon as possible, ensuring we put the clients first. That's exactly what we're going to do."
