FEATURE
BREAKING
THE MOULD
Formidable female management duo ready to help historic law firm flourish for years to come
WORDS : SARAH WALKER
An award-winning law firm that started life on Albert Road , Middlesbrough , 148 years ago – in a building that became the National and Provincial Bank – is looking ahead to the next 150 years with optimism , as a formidable female management duo takes the reins .
Ambitious growth plans have led Jacksons Law Firm to appoint Erica Turner , partner and head of commercial property , to the role of head of legal at the firm , while partner and chartered accountant Amie Callan becomes head of operations .
The two roles replace the traditional managing partner role , previously held by Tony Wentworth , who has stepped down but will remain with the firm , heading up the corporate and commercial team .
Jacksons , which was named Law Firm of the Year at the Northern Law Awards earlier this year , has always been known for breaking the mould – and as the firm starts the next chapter in its story , Erica and Amie reflected on its rich history on Teesside .
“ Our roots are on Teesside , but we now cover the whole of the North-East and beyond ,” said Erica , following a photoshoot outside 42 Albert Road , where the firm was founded , and the firm ’ s later Middlesbrough offices on Queen ’ s Square .
“ We are not your traditional law firm – we are thinking and behaving differently , as demonstrated by the fact we have moved away from having a managing partner role .
“ The firm was started by a man who , like us , saw potential and opportunity in the region .
“ Gilbert Jackson and his son came up from London because of the potential of what was then known as Port Darlington – and the firm was engaged to deal with the legal processes around the new port .”
It is quite fitting that , at a time when the Port of Middlesbrough is undergoing something of an evolution and a significant period of investment , Jacksons , whose origins are in the port , is also writing the next chapter in its history .
While the firm has always excelled at recognising commercial potential and business opportunities , it is also a place where potential talent is nurtured and developed , leading Erica and Amie to succeed in their respective roles .
Jacksons has also proven it is forward-thinking when it comes to women in senior leadership positions – something Erica says she is pleased to have witnessed in her two decades with the firm .
“ When I joined in 2004 , the equity partnership was completely male , but as it stands now it ’ s 50 / 50 ,” she says .
“ We are keen to continue to support and promote progression based on merit , and we have upskilled a wide range of people to extend the pool .”
Flexible working , with options such as term-time contracts , which benefits a diverse range of staff members , is something both Erica and Amie are keen to continue to offer .
Employee engagement will also continue to be key to the firm ’ s future success .
Amie , who won the Law Practice Management Award at this year ’ s Northern Law Awards , is rightly proud of the genuine care demonstrated by the firm when it comes to looking after its team – and also looking after the region , with support for local charities such as The High Tide Foundation in Teesside and Mind ’ s Middlesbrough branch and Newcastle and Northumberland branch .
128 | Tees Business