Leeds corporate partner appointed new European managing partner
Squire Patton Boggs has announced that its global board has approved the appointment of the firm’s next European managing partner, Leeds corporate partner, Jonathan Jones.
Jonathan joined the firm in 1998 and was made partner in 2000 before serving as the managing partner of the Leeds office from 1999 until 2003. He will succeed Jane Haxby as European managing partner, a role he will have for three years effective from January 1, 2020.
“Having spent the last 21 years at the firm, it has been incredible to see it grow and prosper to become the truly global business it is today,” said Mr. Jones. “I am excited to have the opportunity to take on this new challenge and build on what has already been achieved.”
Commenting on being based in Leeds for this new role, Jonathan said: “The changes in technology that have made working remotely possible and the practicalities of a large geographic organisation such as Squire Patton Boggs, means that it is culturally much more acceptable for me to be based in Leeds and responsible for offices in other cities and countries. I hope my appointment shows the strength of the sector in Leeds and also highlights to my colleagues across all of our regional offices that you don’t need to be based in any particular city to succeed in the legal profession.”
Asked about the future outlook for 2020 for the business and concerns around Brexit, Jonathan said: “Assuming that a resolution to Brexit can be reached, I believe there is suppressed demand from corporates and equity houses, as a result 2020 may appear to be a bit of a bubble as demand is sated. This plays to our ambition as a business that is open to collaboration and referring work between our offices – a key differentiator for Squire Patton Boggs in the UK and Leeds markets.”
Mark Ruehlmann, chair and global chief executive officer of Squire Patton Boggs, said: “Jonathan is an experienced corporate lawyer who is well-known across the firm. His commercial insight, energy and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to drive the firm forward through the next stage of its development.”
