Baker McKenzie chair takes break to focus on health concerns

Baker McKenzie chair takes break to focus on health concerns

The global chair of Baker McKenzie is stepping back from day-to-day responsibilities to focus on his health.

Paul Rawlinson’s medical issues are the result of exhaustion and he has been advised by his doctor to focus his attention on his health rather than the firm’s leadership.

No further details of Mr Rawlinson’s issues are being made public out of respect for him and his family. The firm says it hopes to welcome him back soon.

The firm has told us the leave is temporary and in the interim its Latin American chair, Jamie Trujillo will be the global Acting Chair, working with the Executive Committee.

Ashurst boosts diversity targets; women to make up 33% of partners

New diversity targets have been announced at Ashurst with the aim of women making up a third of the global partnership by 2022.

The 33% target is increased from the current 24% and the current 23% target for legal management leadership will increase to 30%; and the target for senior business services roles to be held by women, is increased from the current 33% to 50%.

“Since the original gender targets were set, we have seen improvement in the gender balance of promotions to partnership, with 58% of new partners in 2018 being female,” said Paul Jenkins, the firm’s managing partner. “We have also made progress with the proportion of women in leadership roles and are pleased that 30% of our Board is now female - 50% of the elected positions. We remain very conscious of how much more needs to be done.”

Jenkins was the first law firm leader to join the Male Champions of Change programme in Australia, which works with leaders in the business community to redefine men's role in promoting gender equality.

Eversheds Sutherland hires head of service excellence

A new role has been created at Eversheds Sutherland with a focus on driving customer service standards through its Company Commercial Practice Group (CCPG).

As Head of Service Excellence, Darren Jones will also implement a new strategy to develop and apply offerings around legal technology, legal project management, service excellence and knowledge.

Jones is a qualified solicitor and joins the firm from Barclays Bank PLC and his recent work includes advising legal, business and infrastructure teams on LawTech.

“I am a strong advocate of technology and the many exciting transformation opportunities and benefits it presents for service delivery in the legal market,” he said. “I look forward to being part of a business with a global platform where I can leverage my skills and experience around LawTech, innovation and service delivery for the benefit of clients.”