UK law firm Ashfords elects CEO for second four-year term

UK law firm Ashfords has re-elected CEO Louise Workman for a second four-year term, effective 1 May 2024.

Louise was first elected as CEO in 2020, successfully steering the firm through Covid while kick-starting a new five-year strategy. The focus of that strategy has been to develop the firm’s core legal services and drive forward client service improvements. It has also involved rethinking working practices driven in part by digital developments and the pandemic.  

Over the last four years, Louise has overseen consistent revenue growth, greater profitability and a strengthened balance sheet. During that period, the firm has also embedded hybrid working practices across its 500+ strong workforce, streamlined and refurbished its office portfolio around four main hubs in Bristol, Exeter, London and Plymouth, and continues to invest in infrastructure improvements.  

Louise has been a partner at Ashfords since 2010 and a member of the firm’s management board since 2018.

Tim Heal, chair and member of the firm’s management board commented: 

“Congratulations to Louise on her re-election. The firm continues to transform under Louise’s leadership by focusing on continually improving what we can do for our clients and for each other. We have a genuine team approach at Ashfords, and I'm looking forward to working with Louise on the next stage in our development.” 

Louise Workman, CEO and partner at Ashfords said: 

“It’s a great privilege to be re-elected to lead for another four years. Ashfords is a firm full of talented people; trusted by our clients to support them whether that’s delivering strategically important projects or being by their side when they face challenges or risks.  As a firm I believe we have a compelling offer for our people and our clients, and I’m looking forward to building on that as we develop our strategy for 2025 and beyond.”

Ashfords has attracted a number of senior lateral partner hires in recent years, including most recently the arrival of employment partner James Collings and private wealth partner Mike Westbrook. The firm’s Bristol office in particular has seen significant investment and growth with a number of new hires in 2024 bringing the total number of lawyers and trainees based in the city to over 100.    

The firm continues to grow across its commercial, real estate and private wealth divisions, and through its sector experience in energy & resources, public sector, homes & regeneration, marine, technology and healthcare & lifesciences. Recent matters include advising on the development of a £4 billion battery gigafactory and on Pennon’s acquisition of three renewable energy generation projects. Over the last year, the firm has also been recognised for its apprenticeship scheme, it’s peer2peer finance expertise and for its work in the tech community.