Regional law firm Thrings has made the first appointments to a new role in its career structure, promoting four senior solicitors to the position of legal director.
The appointments are part of the firm’s annual round of promotions and include commercial property expert Robert Barnes, who is based in Thrings’ Bristol office.
Also promoted are Charlotte Barrett, from its Swindon office, and Bath-based Charles Wakefield – both commercial property experts – along with family lawyer Anna Patterson, who is also based in Swindon.
They will assume greater responsibility for developing the firm’s work in their specific practice areas, managing relationships with key clients and supervising and mentoring junior fee earners.
The legal director role – which came into effect on May 1 – enables the firm to recognise the expertise, technical excellence and reputation of its highly regarded specialists who demonstrate many or all of the attributes required for partnership, but who do not wish at this stage of their career to take on the more traditional aspects a partner’s role.
The appointments coincide with the promotion of Bristol-based commercial property specialist Steve Schofield, litigation expert Megan Silcock and corporate lawyer Elaine Meyrick to the position of partner along with corporate lawyer Simon Hore – who is based in Swindon.
The promotions by Thrings – which also has an office in London – increase its partnership to 62 and follows last month’s appointment of experienced commercial litigation specialist Caroline Watson.
Managing partner Simon Holdsworth said: “Internal progression is an essential component of the future of Thrings and, as the legal profession evolves, so the firm continues to work with its solicitors and business support services staff to help them identify and achieve their individual career ambitions.
“The appointment of our first-ever legal directors comes on the back of ongoing consultations with staff to understand their individual career aspirations. Recognising how different staff often want different things, we have taken steps to create a new role which acknowledges the solicitors’ hard work, talent and contribution, while also reminding current and future employees that there are opportunities for those who are seeking a different, non-traditional career path.
“The firm would like to congratulate all of the new partners and legal directors, as well as the six lawyers who have been appointed to the position of associate. The lawyers’ ongoing contribution to the firm cannot be understated, and by assuming more senior roles, they will ensure their teams continue to provide high quality, affordable legal advice which enables clients to achieve their strategic objectives.”
Pictured: Thrings’ new partners, from left: Simon Hore, Elaine Meyrick, Megan Silcock and Steve Schofield
