A Kent and London law firm has described how it is ‘rewriting the rule book’ by appointing three new managing partners to take the firm forward into 2025.
Bromley-headquartered Thackray Williams will appoint three new managing partners when current Managing Partner Sean Sanders steps down in March 2025. Vikki Herbert, Anthony Macey and Emma Thompson will take responsibility for ‘steering the firm to deliver on its ambitious growth plans.’ The three partners have been with the business for 20 years and have sat on the firm’s board since its inception in 2019; they will each focus on separate areas of the business.
Vikki Herbert, who heads the Real Estate sector, will take responsibility for business development, risk, compliance and client service. Anthony Macey, who heads the Private Wealth sector, will assume responsibility for the firm’s financial operations, performance and business analysis. Emma Thompson, who heads the Employment and Corporate & Commercial sectors, will also lead business development as well as strategic recruitment. They will all continue reduced levels of fee-earning work in their respective areas and will each be based at different offices; Vikki Herbert in Sevenoaks, Anthony Macey in the City, London office, and Emma Thompson in Bromley.
The firms says it will benefit from their collective, complementary skillsets and experience as it seeks to build on record financial results announced in May of this year.
“Being part of the board has given us the chance to see what we are good at and develop those skills, as well as how we complement one another. Having been part of the board during such a transformational time for the firm also means we come with plenty of experience of running things, including effectively delivering change management.”
said Vikki Herbert.
“Having worked so closely together, when it came to succession planning, it seemed a natural evolution for the three of us to take over together, even though this means breaking with industry norms. It also shows that there is no ego between us. We share the same ambitions for the firm and have a proven track record of working together to surpass our goals. Our aim for growth is now stronger than ever; it would be hard for one person to take the business where we want it to go. Having a senior management team of three broadens the commitment and skills to deliver our vision.”
added Anthony Macey.
The new structure will seek to deliver on Thackray Williams’ ambitions to become a top 200 law firm after posting record revenues of £12.2 million for 2023/4, a rise of 9.1% compared to the previous year. The private wealth sector, comprising the family law and private client departments, reported a 38% increase in income in Q2 2024 compared with Q2 2023. The employment and commercial departments have achieved a combined 82% increase in revenue in just three years. The business is targeting revenues of £15 million by 2026/7 and £20 million by 2030.
“We all know each other well and have a healthy difference in perspectives, which is helpful. And we’re good at holding each other accountable. You cannot have ambitious growth plans unless you’re prepared to do that – even if it means some challenging conversations – to ensure everything is driving in the right direction.”
said Emma Thompson.
Outgoing Managing Partner Sanders, who will return to the real estate and residential conveyancing team and will help run the West Wickham office said
“I have every confidence in Emma, Vikki and Anthony and I’m looking forward to witnessing their successes. We will continue working on this transition together over the next six months to ensure both continuity and momentum. I was there on the day each one of them joined Thackray Williams; to see them grow into leaders of the firm is just fantastic and I know they are the perfect people to take over.”
