Co-leadership to drive Shakespeare Martineau’s 575-strong Birmingham hub
Ampa Group, which includes full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau, has announced Justine Ball will jointly lead its Birmingham office alongside existing office head James Woolstenhulme.
Real estate disputes partner Ball will join forces with dispute resolution partner Woolstenhulme, both partners in Shakespeare Martineau, in a co-leadership role at the group’s largest hub, which is home to more than 575 people.
Together, the pair will drive forward the group’s plans for the region, supporting business growth, developing talent and creating deeper connections with the local community.
Ball, who began her legal career at Shakespeare Martineau as a trainee in 2011, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be taking on this role alongside James at such a pivotal moment for our Birmingham office. As a city, Birmingham represents both rich heritage and huge future potential, and our office is central to that journey.
“We’re deeply embedded in the region, with the Birmingham office being Shakespeare Martineau’s birthplace and central to our ongoing investment in the West Midlands. Our aim is to harness our greatest strengths – our talent and our deep-rooted connections in the region – to cultivate our growth plans for the office.
“We are also so proud of being a responsible business that is committed to continuously building upon the positive and dynamic culture that benefits our people, our clients and the wider community.”
Woolstenhulme, who qualified with the firm in 2011, said: “Welcoming Justine as joint-head marks a fresh chapter for Birmingham and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together. Our role is about more than leadership – it’s about championing the incredible talent here, strengthening our client relationships, and ensuring our office reflects the ambition and opportunity of the West Midlands.”
Ampa is a certified B Corporation, meaning it is legally required to consider the impact of business decisions on its people, customers, suppliers, communities and the environment. Ampa currently employs more than 1,400 people across 22 UK hubs.
Brands from the group that are based in Birmingham are Shakespeare Martineau; planning, design and development consultancy Marrons; consumer champion law firm Lime Solicitors; uninsured loss recovery experts Corclaim; and Coadax, which supports businesses navigating complex M&A and strategic challenges.
Ampa CEO Sarah Walker-Smith said: “The Midlands has always played a strategically important role in our group’s growth journey. It’s where Shakespeare Martineau began and remains a key part of our wider ecosystem of thriving hubs.
“Our continued commitment to the region reflects our belief in investing in places where we have strong roots, great talent and deep community connections. Empowering exceptional local leaders like Justine and James is central to how we drive sustainable growth across all our locations and deliver positive impact for our people, clients and communities.”
