East Midlands Chamber has joined its strategic partner Freeths in paying tribute to the national law firm’s managing partner of its Leicester office, Mukesh Patel, who died unexpectedly on 18 February.
A popular member of both Freeths and the local community, Mukesh had been with the firm since 2009 and quickly established himself as a highly respected member of the business.
The firm said he always regarded his colleagues at Freeths as his second family, having led the dispute resolution team in Leicester and subsequently becoming managing partner of the Leicester office in 2014.
Regarded as a man of impeccable manners, courtesy and respect, Mukesh committed himself to doing everything he could to create a happy and inclusive team within the firm. He leaves behind his wife and two sons.
Julian Middleton, chairman of Freeths, said: “This desperately sad, shocking, and heart-breaking news has come as a real blow to us all at Freeths. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife and their two boys.
“He was an exemplary team player and would always place his personal interests second to those around him for the common good.
“Mukesh was very well known in the Leicester business community and was tireless in his efforts to raise the profile and reputation of the firm and his office.
“We have lost a real force for good in the Freeths community, but we will ensure his legacy lives on through our commitment to those shared principles that were so dear to him.”
Kevin Harris, chair of East Midlands Chamber, added: “Having known Mukesh for many years as both a friend and fellow managing partner in Leicester, we had much in common and I always enjoyed his company, and respected his professional and pragmatic approach.
“A great advocate of Leicester, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
