Home | Shoosmiths announces first female chief executive

Shoosmiths announces first female chief executive

22 May 2009

National firm Shoosmiths has announced that litigation partner Claire Rowe will become chief executive on 1 August 2009, picking up the baton from Paul Stothard who has stepped down after seven years in the role.

Rowe becomes Shoosmiths’ first female leader in its 160 year history.

After joining Shoosmiths in 1984 as a trainee solicitor, she rapidly progressed to become a partner in 1990.   Rowe currently heads up the firm’s commercial practice group which comprises national teams specialising in litigation, commercial & technology, lender services, housing, regulatory, debt recovery, employment and pensions.

Stothard is acknowledged as leading the firm through its most successful period of growth and was one of the industry’s first non-legal CEOs.  He moved into the role in 2002 after two years as finance director.

He was instrumental in the implementation of the successful national practice group structure and the organic growth of the firm which has included new offices in Birmingham and Manchester.  During his time in the role, fee income has increased from £44m in 2002-03 to £103m in 2007-08.

Shoosmiths’ chairman Andrew Tubbs said:  “Shoosmiths has enjoyed a period of extensive growth and Paul has played a significant part in this development.   He felt the time was right to hand his leadership role to someone new to shape the next chapter in our history.  He is leaving us amicably and we wish him all the very best.

“Claire was elected by partner vote.  She has proven leadership ability in her role as head of our successful commercial practice group and as a member of our operations board.  She is widely respected by the partners, our staff and her clients alike.  I am looking forward to working with her in her new role.”

For further information please contact:
Name: Karen Carter
Phone: 08700 864086
Email: karen.carter@shoosmiths.co.uk

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