Top team get down to business at JMW
LAW firm JMW Solicitors is gearing up for a busy autumn with a major rebrand, a new London office aimed at celebrity clients and further growth to its sporting and commercial offer.
The entrepreneurial firm, based in Manchester, has also boosted its management team in the last few months with Joy Kingsley joining as senior partner to help founder and managing partner grow the practice.
She told TheBusinessDesk.com:”I joined four weeks ago and I like to think we’re hitting the ground running. I am working closely on the stategic development of the firm with Bill.
“The rebranding is one of a number of exciting developments,and I’m also talking to several prospective new hires. I’m thrilled and excitied by the new challenge.” she added.
On a personal note Ms Kingsley, who joined JMW after 32 years with city rival Pannone, has been named one of the 2010 Women of the Year, and will attend an awards lunch in London on October 11.
Mr Jones, who has driven JMW’s transformation over the last three years and has launched a high prolfile sports department led by former footballer Ben Howarth, says the firm sees more opportunities in sport and media.
It has teamed up with insurer Lockton, accountants BDO and sports property specialist firm GVA Robson Lloyd to launch a new venture called Total Sport Services – which offers professional clubs a range of services under one brand.
He explained: “I see huge potential for Total Sport Services, not just in football but in cricket and rugby. It’s part of our strategy to expand outside the legal profession.”
The launch of a London base will build on the work partner Charlotte Harris has done with clients such as Max Clifford, who she represented in action against the News of the World over phone hacking allegations.
Mr Jones said:”We need a presence in London, but we need to do it the right way. The work with Max Clifford has been great for us – we now have 25 clients- some MPs, sports people, television and film people, who we are representing.”
He said JMW’s recruitment process would be rigourous and far-reaching: “I’m talking to people from a wide range of locations – Australia, Birmingham, London and Manchester. As a growing business it is so important to get people who share our culture and and vision.”
Asked about the demise of rival Halliwells, and the impact it has had on the sector, both Mr Jones and Ms Kingsley says they are still shocked the firm is no more.
Joy Kingsley said: “I think the whole legal community was shocked by what’s happened, in terms of Manchester they were one of ther biggest and certainly the most profitable firms.
“I think they thought they’d find a way out of it, and reach agreement with the bank and landlord.”
Mr Jones added: “I’ve noticed a change in the way the banks are behaving since what happened. The Halliwells situation is obviously very sad for those affected and shows like all businesses law firms are not infallible and you have to have good housekeeping, and good financial management and strong leadership.”
