press release
Browne Jacobson appoints new managing partner as firm shows continued confidence in the future with 11 promotions
4 February 2009
Midlands law firm Browne Jacobson has
appointed Iain Blatherwick, head of business services, as the
firm’s new managing partner. Iain replaces Brian Smith, the firm’s
managing partner since 2001, who will return to his former role as
head of the firm’s planning practice.
The four-year fixed term appointment will take effect from 1 May
2009. Corporate partner Gavin Cummings will replace Iain as the new
head of business services.
The firm can also announce the promotion of eleven people from
across their offices in Nottingham and Birmingham. The seven new
partners and four associates will take up their posts with effect
from 1st May 2009. These latest promotions alongside the six
lateral partner hires made in the last 12 months including the high
profile appointment of Melanie Print brings the partnership to 69,
a record number for the firm.
The newly promoted partners are: Andrew Christon, Steven Conway,
Andrew Hopkin and Kevin Lawson (Insurance & Public Risk), Tom
Howard (Property), Mark Hughes and Richard Nicholas (Business
Services). The four promoted to Associate include Nick Mackenzie
and Stephen Howe (Business Services), Rachael Morris and Helen
Rideout (Insurance & Public Risk).
During his tenure Brian Smith has orchestrated the firms
ambitious expansion plans which has seen the firm’s turnover double
in eight years. When he was appointed managing partner in 2001
Browne Jacobson had an annual turnover of £18m and employed around
400 people. Today it employs over 500 employees and last year
posted a record breaking £35m turnover. Amongst his other
significant achievements includes the firm’s creation of a full
service office of over 100 people in Birmingham and most recently
the strengthening of the firm’s London office with a move to the
City of London, a new corporate identity and a plethora of industry
awards and accolades for the firm including Best Managed Firm
awarded by the European Managing Partners Forum and the Sunday
Times Top 100 Companies to Work For.
Brian Smith said:
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve this firm
for eight years as its managing partner. Browne Jacobson has a
confident future and these latest promotions epitomise the hard
work, talent and exceptional commitment to customer service we have
become synonymous with as a law firm. Iain was the unanimous choice
of the partnership and his leadership qualities will be an immense
asset to the firm’s continued progress.”
Iain Blatherwick commented:
“I am proud to take on the role of leading this firm, which
has already accomplished so much. I am keen to ensure that we
continue to invest, maintaining our market leading position in the
East Midlands and further strengthening our foothold in London and
the West Midlands. I look forward to working closely with all my
colleagues to drive the firm forward in what is an increasingly
competitive and fast paced market. Brian’s contribution over the
last eight years has been truly excellent. He has played a pivotal
role in transforming the business and will be a hard act to
follow.”
The firm can also announce that property partner David Hibbert,
who stood down last year as senior partner after eight years in the
post, will be retiring from the partnership. David began his career
at Browne Jacobson qualifying as a solicitor in 1972 and was a
partner for 30 years.
Senior Partner William Colacicchi added:
“David’s contribution to the firm over three decades has
been immense and we are delighted that he will continue to work for
us on a consultative basis.”
l - r Brian Smith, Iain Blatherwick
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