10 Oct Leading lady : Kim Carr named as new chair of LawNet
West Midlands lawyer Kim Carr of FBC Manby Bowdler has been named as the new chairman of LawNet, the independent law firm network.
The first woman to hold the role in the network’s 26 year history, LawNet says her leadership of the member-run board will be key to the network’s strategy and future growth plans.
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP was a founder member of LawNet in 1989 and the 29-partner firm employs over 160 staff at five offices across the West Midlands and Shropshire. Alongside its professional rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers, it was named firm of the year in 2014 by its regional Law Society and has regularly appeared in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For listings under Kim’s stewardship.
Kim Carr has been managing partner of the firm since 2005, joining the firm as a trainee and heading the private client department, before leading the merger of FBC Solicitors with Manby Steward Bowdler LLP in 2008. She was named LawNet managing partner of the year in 2012.
Said Kim Carr: “It’s a great opportunity for me to play a part in the network’s future development. There are big challenges in the sector, with consolidation continuing, but it’s a time that offers LawNet firms huge opportunities, if we are commercially focussed and differentiate ourselves. I believe outstanding customer service lies at the heart of that.
“As an independent firm we have always seen big benefits in being part of the LawNet family and I’ll be working with the board and the team at LawNet HQ to see how we can build on that strength for our members, as we grow the network.”
Welcoming Kim to the role, LawNet chief executive Chris Marston said: “It’s great news for the network that Kim has agreed to take on this key role. We’ve seen our network grow over the past year, and our proposition remains rooted in supporting firms to deliver great customer service, providing high quality learning and keeping the lid on PII premiums through a strong risk management culture.
“We’ve got big ambitions for the future, constrained only by the number of firms that will match up to our selection criteria.”
The LawNet network was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, mutually-owned national network where independent law firms can access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise. As well as quality and risk management accreditation, the network provides training in legal practice and management skills, marketing support and access to a range of office support services. It also provides a group professional indemnity insurance scheme for members.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, mutually-owned national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 67 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £20m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places over £1bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
www.lawnet.co.uk
Twitter: @LawNetUK
About FBC Manby Bowdler
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is a 29 Partner award winning regional law firm focused on and committed to intelligently delivering stellar service to its customers.
The firm’s approach is ‘One Team’ and is committed to delivering the greatest quality of service and advice possible. FBC Manby Bowdler’s Client Charter explains the firm’s promises to clients about the stellar service experience they can expect to receive.
FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is recognised in the 2015 Legal 500 Directory as a top tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates, Contentious Trusts & Probate, Family, Commercial Litigation and Planning.
For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk or follow the firm on Twitter @