(L-R)Paul McClorry, John Cuss, Lauren Dale, Jeremy Smith and Victoria Richardson of Hudgell Solicitors’ executive management team
Hudgell Solicitors chief executive Rachel Di Clemente says the appointment of five new members of the executive management team is a reflection of the firm’s growth and will help to ensure the continued success of the business following its recent transition to employee ownership.
The move comes just five months after Hudgells became one of the largest law firms to date to become employee owned, after founder Neil Hudgell transferred the majority of shares to an employee ownership trust.
At the time he said the move was being taken to ‘embrace the talent’ and to ‘give something back’, saying it would provide a platform for employees to have a more direct voice in the firm’s work, and influence the management of the business for the future.
Now, the first significant change has been announced, as it sees five colleagues join chief executive Mrs Di Clemente, executive chairman Mr Hudgell and chief people officer Michelle Maltby on the firm’s executive management team.
Promotions reward ‘incredible commitment’ to the business
Head of civil liberties and criminal injuries Vicky Richardson, who has been with Hudgells since 1998, has been appointed as Regional Director of Hull, with Head of Serious Injury and Travel Litigation, Paul McClorry, moving to Regional Director of Manchester.
Lauren Dale, who joined Hudgells in 2010, has been promoted to the position of Risk and Compliance Director, with John Cuss, who heads up corporate services and strategic partnerships, moving to Legal Services Director.
The firm’s National Head of Costs, Jeremy Smith, has moved to the role of Commercial Director.
The news follows the recent promotions of eight solicitors to the roles of Senior Associates in recognition of their positive impact on the business.
“We are extremely fortunate to have have an incredible pool of talent within our firm and these recent appointments reflect that,” said Mrs Di Clemente.
“Adding to our executive team is very much a move focused on the evolvement of the business as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). It is about ensuring that we develop a strong senior executive team which not only includes great legal knowledge and expertise, but also expertise across all other areas of business which is vital in building a strong and resilient firm.
“I am very lucky to have the support of my newly promoted colleagues to help shape where the business heads over the coming years. Having worked closely with them all over the past few years, I have absolute confidence that their passion and commitment to the business will mean that they continue to add to the success of the business, ensuring that we continue to improve our offering to our clients and colleagues.
The new leadership structure comes into effect from May 1st 2024 as Hudgells looks to build upon a hugely successful past 12 months in which it has enjoyed a record-breaking year in business growth.
