New managing partner sets out agenda for Addleshaw Goddard

IMPROVING financial performance and strengthening the firm’s London office are heading Addleshaw Goddard’s new managing partner John Joyce’s ‘to do list’.

Three weeks in to his new role, and preparing to base himself in the capital during the week, Mr Joyce 50, says the firm has a strong culture and clear vision of what it wants to be.

Despite historical strength in both Manchester and Leeds, he accepts the firm needs to do more in the ultra-competitive London market to seriously challenge the Magic Circle firms.

A born and bred Mancunian – he has only spent a year away from the city – at Chester Law College – Mr Joyce is keen to ensure that Addleshaws’ presence is more visible in the local market.

He is adamant the firm’s focus on growth in London and internationally, will not be detrimental to its regional standing – and plans to appoint an office head in both Manchester and Leeds.

Asked about recent partner departures, including Andrew Chamberlain to DWF, Mark Haywood to Nabarro and most recently Tim Hamilton and Helen Corner, he said the firm had been through a period of change, but is nonetheless united.

“There has been some stories about inter-office divisions, but I believe there hasn’t been a time when it hasn’t been cohesive. There has been a pretty good vibe since the election and the new leadership team.

“It is right that the managing partner is based in London – we need to be strong there, and it’s absolutely key to our success.

“We have been there for 15 years and we have some fantastic clients but we need more.

“My number one challenge is to get Addleshaws back to our rightful place in the market, while also improving our financial performance.”

While refusing to discuss mergers, it is understood this is something Addleshaw’s senior team would pursue, if the right partner can be found to help deliver those strategic goals.

Having led the firm’s national restructuring team for the last five years, working in London during the week won’t be a huge challenge.

“As a family we’ve owned a flat there since 2004, which we’ve rented out, so when the tenants leave I’ll be moving in. It goes with the territory.”