One of the island’s best known and respected advocates has taken on the challenge of running his own business.
Popular John Rimmer, 47, has opened an office in Athol Street, Douglas, just yards from his previous employment at Appleby where he was a partner.
Father of two Mr Rimmer told Business News: ‘At the moment it’s just me but hopefully we will expand a bit but I’m not looking to take over the world or anything. I’m looking to build up a stable, steady business and deliver top quality service.’
On leaving Appleby where he had worked for 15 years, Mr Rimmer said: ‘I’m getting to an age I suppose where if ever I was going to do it I had to do it now because in just a few years time I think I would have struggled to do it.’
Mr Rimmer said he is still on very good terms with Appleby ‘and we were able to agree things and everything was done in an orderly manner’.
Mr Rimmer left on the same day as another leading Appleby partner Nick Verardi but he said this was ‘completely coincidental.’ Another coincidence was that they became partners at the firm on the same day in 2002.
He said: ‘Appleby were quite understanding to let two of us go [on the same day]. I wish them the very best. Nothing should be read into it at all. Appleby is far bigger than John Rimmer. It is a huge and thriving organisation.’
The new independent practice is called Advocate John Rimmer. Business News last week revealed he will be consulting island firm Cains. Mr Rimmer, married to Manx
woman Sarah, has been practising law in the island for more than 15 years and in that time has had a very accomplished career.
He spoke to Business News shortly after returning from a speaking engagement in Toronto. He addressed the STEP Canada annual conference.
By his own admission in an interview with Business News last year when he was with Appleby, Mr Rimmer admits he could ‘never be accused of being stuck for words’.
He contributes chapters for books and often finds himself giving ‘after dinner style’ talks.
His ability for finding the right words also help outside of work as an honorary aide de camp to the island’s governor.
He says he has been lucky to work with three governors including the current ‘His Excellency’ Adam Wood. Part of the role of an aide de camp involves making sure visitors are well looked after at Government House receptions.
Mr Rimmer has featured in the Citywealth Honours list - a prestigious list of respected advisors and managers selected through recommendations of global peers, clients and charitable organisations.
He was also named in the top 10 international estate planning lawyers by the 2013 Legal Who’s Who and appears on a number of other prestigious lists such as Legal 500 and Chambers.
Mr Rimmer has enlisted a former colleague, legal secretary Sharon Kelly, to work part time in his office on the top floor.
He is looking forward to working with a diverse variety of clients including individuals and families in the Isle of Man.
Everything from wills, estates planning and organising their personal affairs. That might involve setting up trusts or setting up charities.
He will also work with trust companies and non-Manx law firms.
‘One of the things that differentiates my sort of practice I suppose from some of the big commercial practices is that I have a big presence of local clients, especially individuals.’