Ashfords LLP confirms appointment of Louise Workman as new CEO

Ashfords LLP is pleased to announce it has elected Louise Workman, Corporate Partner and Head of Client Services, as its new Chief Executive.

Last night (4 May), the partnership voted for Louise to become the first female CEO in the law firm’s history. Louise Workman, based at Ashfords’ head office in Exeter, joined the Corporate team in 2010 and was appointed as Head of Client Services in 2017.

Prior to joining Ashfords, Louise trained at City firm Norton Rose and spent 5 years in the corporate finance department before moving to Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP where she was a Partner for 10 years and headed its retail sector group.

Louise has a deep understanding of Ashfords’ business, culture and people and is well placed to lead the firm in the next phase of its journey. Having been a key member of the firm’s management board since 2018 she provided significant input into the firm’s recently revised strategy and spearheaded the firm’s client service quality standard – “Ashford Expects”.  

Ashfords LLP was ranked in The Times Best Law Firms 2020 in November and has been continuing to grow and expand its expertise with appointments in a number of key sectors, and recently set up a cross-disciplinary team to help clients through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mark Lomas, Partner and Chair said: “We are delighted to announce that Louise is taking up the mantle of CEO at our firm. Louise’s knowledge, experience and prowess in legal business development strategy, her strengths in client service, the law and business make her an excellent fit for the role. She embodies the collegiate approach and the changes that we have been fostering across the firm. We are  all looking forward to working with Louise on strategies for the long-term prosperity of the firm, whilst always supporting our people and continuing to provide the very best quality and service to our clients.”

Louise added: “I am excited to start my new role and appreciate the support of my partners and colleagues at Ashfords, which, even amidst the difficulties of the Covid-19 lockdown, continues to provide unparalleled service to clients.  There are many opportunities and challenges facing us as we move through these unprecedented times.  We have a very successful mix of both business and private client work. There is a great team here and I look forward to working with our people to continue to build on the firm’s successes. Ashfords has built a reputation for excellent client service and will continue to focus on delivering quality and value to our clients whilst encouraging continued collaboration & innovation across the firm, always ensuring the ongoing personal and professional development and wellbeing of our people.”