Returning to Plymouth – A Personal and Professional Homecoming

As a young soldier serving with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, I began my military career in Plymouth. This Ocean City — and the culture of service that defines it — left a lasting mark.

In early 1985, on a damp field on Dartmoor, I was presented with my green beret. It remains, without question, the proudest moment of my life. However much has followed personally and professionally, that achievement — earned the hard way — has never been surpassed.

Discipline. Responsibility. Accountability. Service.

Those principles have been lived, tested and instilled. They continue to guide me today.

Building Alma Law

In 2017, I established Alma Law (named after 8 (Alma) Commando Battery – a proud heritage) as a specialist law firm focused on serious injury and military-related claims. From the outset, the aim was simple: to act independently and with integrity for individuals facing life-changing events.

Over time, a significant proportion of my work has involved representing serving personnel and veterans in complex service-related cases. I have been privileged to receive instructions from two of our best known military charities and that work continues. 

The practice has grown steadily and deliberately — acting nationally while remaining selective about the work we undertake.

Why Plymouth — Why Now?

After 8 years in Hampshire, Alma Law is now based at Royal William Yard, Plymouth’s historic waterfront development originally constructed as a Royal Naval victualling yard in 1825. Its maritime and military heritage makes it a fitting home for a veteran-led specialist practice.

Plymouth remains one of the United Kingdom’s principal military cities. Many of our clients are based in the South West. Being present here — physically and professionally — matters.

But beyond practicality, returning feels personal.

In many ways, Plymouth has always been my spiritual home. I am genuinely thrilled to be back — not as a young commando this time, but as a solicitor building and growing a specialist practice in the city that first shaped my life. 

The Next Chapter

Although Alma Law continues to act for clients across the UK, relocating to Royal William Yard represents a long-term commitment to Plymouth and the wider South West.

We are now recruiting as part of the next stage of the firm’s development.

Growth has never been about scale for its own sake. It is about building something properly — with purpose and integrity.

Returning to Plymouth is part of that journey.

United we Conquer! 

Grant Evatt 19.02.2026