Commercial and private client firm Penningtons Manches today announced the death of former managing partner and chief executive, Lesley Lintott, after a period of illness.

A statement said that: ‘Although she had been diagnosed with cancer last August, Lesley continued to dedicate herself to work both in the office and at events in the following months, which typified her enormous commitment to her clients and colleagues. 

‘Lesley joined the firm as an articled clerk in 1972 and quickly developed a name for herself as a leading private client practitioner. She was appointed as the first woman partner in the firm at the age of 28 and her great wisdom, intelligence and diplomacy proved invaluable not only to her clients but also to her fellow partners. 

‘Lesley became managing partner in 1997 and led the firm through some challenging periods during her 11 years in the role. She returned seamlessly to her practice at the end of that period and continued to work hard for her clients and her colleagues to the last.’ 

David Raine, Penningtons Manches chief executive, said: ‘Lesley will be missed as much by her many friends in the sector as she will by her friends and colleagues at Penningtons Manches. There are few in the firm who have not been touched or affected in some way by Lesley’s great talent, warmth and kindness.

‘This is a time of much sorrow for us all. Our thoughts are with Lesley’s family, the private client team and the many other teams where her influence was so strongly felt, and above all with her husband and our colleague, Chris.’

There will be a private funeral, with a memorial service at a later date to be announced.