Forward by name and nature

The Firm was founded by William Forward who qualified as a solicitor in 1867. He practised in Axminster in part of the building now fully occupied by Milford & Dormor.

William Forward had two sons, William Graham Forward (known as “Mr Graham”) and Cecil Forward.  Both joined the Firm, although Cecil Forward left and set up in practice as a rival next door!

Graham Forward continued to practice until he died in the mid 1940s previously having been joined by a William Donnithorne, following his service in the Second World War.  Maurice George Milford then became a partner in 1954.  It is understood that at that time the Firm had one of the longest names of any solicitor's Firm in the Country being called “William Forward, Son, Donnithorne & Milford".  The name later being changed to Milford & Dormor, its current title, when Peter Dormor became a partner in the 1971.

During Maurice Milford’s time as senior partner, the Firm opened the Chard, Seaton and Hemyock offices and he was a partner for more than 40 years.

Peter Dormor was a non-practising consultant with the Firm for many years.

William Bennett joined the Firm as a legal executive in 1974 and became articled to Maurice Milford before becoming a solicitor and ultimately a partner.

William Bennett was the Firm's senior partner from 2002 to 2017 when he retired from the partnership and is now a consultant and practice manager and based in the Chard office, but often visiting the other offices, including Hemyock on a regular basis.

There are at present three partners - Colin Burdett, Domenica Fazio, Nicola Edwards.

Colin Burdett trained with a Firm in Sheffield and worked as a solicitor near Nottingham before joining Milford & Dormor in 1981 and the partnership in 1982. Colin Burdett is now senior partner based in the Axminster office and a qualified Notary Public.

Domenica Fazio had a career outside the law before obtaining a law degree and then training with the Firm, qualifying and becoming a partner in 2001.

Nicola Edwards has been with the Firm since qualifiying as a solicitor in 2010 and became a partner in 2017.

The Firm has a long history priding itself on the continuity and experience of partners and staff.  It has continued and grown through recessions, depressions, world wars and various national and international events because of its strong client base and commitment to “provide a friendly efficient legal service at a reasonable cost”.