80th birthday celebrations for Oxford partner after 46 years at law firm

This month, a well‑known figure in Oxford’s legal community, John Deech, celebrated his 80th birthday – all while continuing to work as a full‑time partner at Blake Morgan. His colleagues marked the occasion with a surprise celebration, honouring his nearly five decades of dedication to the firm and recognising this remarkable milestone.

John is a highly respected and vastly experienced property lawyer, and a key member of Blake Morgan’s Oxford‑based property team.

His expertise spans the full breadth of property law, covering everything from agricultural land to commercial and development sites, with experience in both transactional work and dispute resolution. Throughout his distinguished career, he has represented many of Oxford’s major colleges and businesses and has played a significant role in the development of the Oxford Science Park, having been involved since its inception 35 years ago.

John’s knowledge extends far beyond property. He has advised in commercial, education, charity and trust law, as well as taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and Freedom of Information. He has also been a longstanding innovator, championing the use of technology within legal practice and helping Blake Morgan become the first firm in the country to adopt document management almost 30 years ago.

John has worked for the firm now known as Blake Morgan since 1977, and has been in Oxford for even longer – earning a D. Phil in Physics from Oriel College in 1968 before his transition to the law almost 10 years later. He still works full time at the firm.

Richard Wade, partner in Blake Morgan’s Oxford office, said: