Law firm Russell-Cooke has announced that Jonathan Thornton has been elected as the firm's Deputy Senior Partner, while Alison Regan and James Carroll have been elected as Joint Managing Partners.

They take up their new posts as of 1 February 2021 and will serve for a three-year term.

Jonathan Thornton is a partner in the firm's corporate and commercial team and has been the firm's Managing Partner since 2015. Alison Regan is a partner in the trust and estate disputes department while James Carroll is a partner in the family team.

Senior Partner John Gould, who is Chair of the Board, remains in post.

The three newly elected office holders will sit on the firm's Board, alongside five annually elected Board members at partner level, and three non-lawyer directors. The other elected Board members are partners Matt Garrod, Rebecca Fisher, Kate Hamilton and Sarah Towler. The three directors are Wendy Watson (Business Development Director), Anu Kapila (Director for People, Risk and Standards), and Sam Allen (Director for Finance, Technology and Facilities). They were appointed after a reorganisation of the firm's Business Services Group in 2020.

Taken together, the new appointments see more than 50% of Russell-Cooke's Board positions occupied by women.

Alison Regan, Joint Managing Partner at Russell-Cooke, comments:

“I have worked at Russell-Cooke my entire career and have seen the firm grow and prosper whilst still retaining both its heart and moral backbone. I am proud to work with colleagues who are both leaders in their fields and strong principled lawyers and am delighted to be able to play a part in planning for the future. There is no doubt that there is a bumpy road ahead and we are all facing challenging times, but our strong and steady approach and our commitment to the success of our clients and the wellbeing of our colleagues will stand us in good stead. I look forward to being able to contribute.”

James Carroll, Joint Managing Partner at Russell-Cooke, comments:

“Russell-Cooke is often referred to as “the lawyer’s lawyer”. It’s been that way for our 140 year existence. That history demonstrates success, stability and resilience: we have weathered many a storm. Taking up a senior management position at time when the world is in crisis brings challenges, but more so, emphasises a sense of responsibility to our clients, colleagues and referrers. It’s a great place to work – and I am excited to build upon our past and help steer us into our future.”

John Gould, Senior Partner at Russell-Cooke, comments:

“I have worked with Jonathan, Alison and James for many years and know them to be lawyers of the highest quality as well as people of energy and vision with a real commitment to the firm and its people. We have a strong and balanced management team who know what the firm is about and have the ability to assure its continuing success."