Foot Anstey Announce Management Changes
A change in the management team at major South West law firm Foot Anstey sees John Westwell taking over the role of Managing Partner from Jane Lister on 1st November 2008.
Jane Lister will become Senior Partner with special responsibility for client relations and new business, playing an active role in the future development of the partnership.
John Westwell, currently Head of Business and Public Sector services, will take up the position as Foot Anstey prepares its next five year business plan. This will seek to build on recent successes and expansion so as to achieve the firm’s ambition of becoming the premier law firm in the region.
Foot Anstey’s phenomenal growth, both organically and through their mergers with Serpell Eaton of Plymouth and Hancock Caffin of Truro means it will achieve its financial target of doubling turnover to £22M, set in 2005, 12 months ahead of schedule.
The firm has recruited over thirty new solicitors across its five South West offices in the last year, strengthened its corporate, litigation and public services teams and established a new tax team. Next year will see its Plymouth team move into new offices overlooking Sutton Harbour, while the following year is likely to see its Truro team relocate also to new offices.
Simon Gregory Chairman of Foot Anstey said “We are delighted that John Westwell is succeeding Jane to lead us to new heights in the delivery of legal services throughout the wider South West region. John is young, dynamic and innovative and is the right person to lead Foot Anstey in these changing times.
“In the last 11 years Jane has led the expansion of Foot Anstey both in the quality and range of services we offer businesses, the public sector and individuals and the number of lawyers and support staff.
“Jane has focused on developing leaders of the future so that we are in a strong position to plan our succession in a seamless way.”
John who has been a partner in the firm since 1996 and a member of the firm’s management board for 6 years said “The legal profession faces great changes so it’s an exciting time to be taking the firm forward. Over the last five years we have made huge strides in the region but our top priority has, and always will be, to focus on our clients and ensure that service comes first. I look forward to continuing to work with Jane.”
Jane added “This is an exciting time for Foot Anstey and I believe that John has the drive, skills and experience to lead the firm into the next decade, delivering quality legal services to businesses and individuals in the South West”
Published 23/04/2008
