Law firm appoints its first female managing partner in 170 years

A WARWICKSHIRE law firm has appointed its first female managing partner in its 170-year history.

Sarah Perry takes over as head of Wright Hassall from Richard Lane, who will become senior partner of the Leamington-based firm after seven years as managing partner.

Nick Abell, who is a main board director of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, has been appointed chairman of the firm, following seven years as senior partner.

Ms Perry trained with Wright Hassall and was appointed partner in 1998.
She said: “These are exciting times for the firm as we celebrate our 170 year anniversary this year.

“I am looking forward to us building on the considerable success the firm has achieved in recent years and in taking the firm forward to achieve our ambitious plans for growth.”

Mr Lane said the firm has achieved significant growth over the last six years, growing every year in spite of the recession.

“We have worked hard to maintain our culture as we have grown which we have achieved because of the great team of highly motivate and committed people here,” he said.

Mr Abell added: “The firm has changed considerably over my 35 years here and I am confident that our management board is well placed to seize the opportunities which lie ahead.”

Wright Hassall has a 270-strong team, including 145 lawyers and 39 partners.