A FORMER Skegness Grammar School head boy has fulfilled his ambition by returning to his home town to practice law.
James Proctor, 26, has joined the new Skegness office of county-wide law firm Sills & Betteridge, following their recent merger with Norman Green Solicitors.
It’s a proud moment for James, who attended the grammar school for seven years before becoming head boy in 2003.
“I’m really passionate about the town and surrounding area. It’s a fantastic place to live and work and there are lots of reasons to be proud of it,” he said.
“Perhaps Skegness doesn’t have the reputation and profile it deserves and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community and doing my bit to help.”
James, who has a two-year-old son with partner Lauren, spent seven years working for local charity Linkage Community Trust, helping adults with learning difficulties to live independently.
After seven years at the charity he realised he could help people even more through the law and after studying at Sheffield, and a stint at a law firm in Lincoln, he joined Sills.
“I’ve always felt happiest and gained the most satisfaction when I’ve felt as if I’m genuinely helping people and the law provides that – whether it is helping people secure their family’s future through a will, helping resolve disputes or fighting for the rights of clients,” said James.
“I wanted to do something worthwhile and respected and the law stood out. Now I’ve returned to Skegness I want to help the community on a wider scale too.”
Sills & Betteridge opened its Skegness office, following the merger, nine months ago. It also has branches in Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Gainsborough, Spilsby, Spalding and Coningsby.
It employs 170 staff across the county and has been providing legal advice to the people of the county for over 250 years.
“We are delighted to welcome James to Sills. It’s important to us that our team of lawyers and staff understand, and play a part in, the communities they serve,” said senior partner Andrew Payne.
“Few people know, or are as passionate about, Skegness as James and we are confident he will play a big part in the growing success of the firm.

To contact Sills & Betteridges Skegness office call 01754 610101.