Changes at the top for law firm as managing partner stands down

Law firm FBC Manby Bowdler will have a new face at the top after its managing partner announced she is stepping down.

Kim Carr is to take a new role as lead partner in the firm’s private client team after 12 years at the helm of the practice.

Neil Lloyd will take over as managing director of the firm from April 1 as part of a series of management changes.

Lloyd, the firm’s sales director, will head a new executive board with partners Guy Birkett and Tom Devey at the 30-partner practice, which has offices in Shropshire, Wolverhampton and Redditch.

He said: “FBC Manby Bowdler would not be the success story it is today without the brilliant work Kim has put in over the last 12 years. I am hugely privileged to follow her in leading the firm and look forward to working with her for many years to come.

“Our emphasis will continue to be on treating our people as our most important asset and attracting, developing and retaining the high-level talent which has proved the bedrock of our success to date.

“We will continue to look out for and explore new opportunities in the coming years as we have over the last decade and more, retaining our balance between private client and commercial work and delivering fantastic client satisfaction in everything we do.”

Carr added: “The firm could not be in better hands. Neil has a deep understanding of FBC Manby Bowdler’s DNA and the energy, drive and commitment to lead us to even greater success in the years ahead.”

As part of the changes, Charlotte Clode and Stephen Burke will become team leaders of commercial litigation in Wolverhampton and commercial property in Shropshire respectively.

In addition a new operations board is being formed which will start sitting ahead of April and be chaired by Lloyd. It will include HR director Sarah Bond, finance manager Beverley Collinswood, head of risk and compliance Lyn Coughlan and Laura Jones, head of client experience, sales and marketing.