Browne Jacobson announces new senior partner appointment and seven promotions

258313-006Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed Derek Bambury, Partner and Head of Business & Professional Risk, as its new senior partner.

The three year appointment will see Derek succeed outgoing senior partner William Colacicchi when his final term comes to an end on 1st May 2013. William has held the position since 2008. William will continue as partner and head of the firm’s growing private client and charities team.

The firm has also announced the promotion of two of its lawyers to the partnership, bringing the total number of partners at the firm to 90, as of 1st May 2013. The new partners are Adrian Shardlow (Education- Nottingham) and Ros Foster (Administrative Law – London). The firm is also announcing five associate promotions:

Nottingham

Paul McCannah (Corporate)

Anja Beriro (Commercial)

Sian Brown (Health)

Jude Cummings (Financial & Professional Risk)

Birmingham

Rachael Jellema (Employment)

Derek Bambury joined Browne Jacobson in 1981 and became a partner in 1987. He was the firm’s Managing Partner from 1998 to 2001, since when he has been a member of the firm’s Executive and Strategy Boards.

Regarded as a ‘leading individual’ in his field by Chambers UK and recognised and recommended by Legal 500, Derek specialises in all aspects of professional and institutional default, insurance coverage and contentious insolvency and has conducted litigation in every level of court and tribunal up to and including the Supreme Court and Privy Council. He currently acts as conflicts and strategy counsel in the UK, the Commonwealth and Europe for the SIPA Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L Madoff Investment Securities LLC and Bernard Madoff, in relation to recovery of investors’ funds following the collapse of Bernard Madoff’s $40bn-plus Ponzi fraud scheme

During William Colacicchi’s tenure as senior partner the firm has expanded significantly with the recent opening of new offices in Manchester and Exeter and relocation of its London based operations and Nottingham headquarters.

Managing Partner Iain Blatherwick said:

“It has been a pleasure working with William over the last five years. He has made a significant contribution to the firm’s success since his appointment and as an ambassador for the firm he will be a difficult act to follow.

“We are immensely fortunate that in Derek we have someone who brings considerable experience, understanding and insight into the strengths and challenges facing the business. It is testament to his standing in the firm that he was elected unanimously. As a member of the firm’s senior management team Derek has already played a key role in the firm’s success so his appointment will mark a seamless transition as he steps into the role of senior partner.

“We are also delighted to announce this year’s promotions. They are all excellent lawyers who have made a demonstrable difference to the firm’s success through their dedication, hard work and commitment to exceptional client service.”

William Colacicchi commented:

“It has been a privilege and an honour to be the firm’s senior partner for the last five years and contribute towards the transformation of the firm in that time. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Iain and the senior management team on some of the most ambitious and successful projects this firm has been involved with.”

Derek Bambury added:

“I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and the opportunity to build on the strong platform for growth established by the firm as we enter an exciting and significant period for the business. The calibre of our people and commitment to the highest levels of client service that underpins everything we do has been the key to our success to date and I will work hard to ensure we both maintain and build on those special qualities.”