Guildford firm Stevens & Bolton has announced that its managing partner, Michael Laver, is to be replaced in his role by head of corporate Richard Baxter from 1 January, 2006.

Laver said: {After nearly 11 years I felt the firm would benefit and I would benefit from a change at the top.{ Ex-Simmons & Simmons corporate chief Ken Woffenden will replace Baxter as corporate head.