Blake Morgan appoints Christina Blacklaws as Non-Exec Director

National law firm Blake Morgan has announced the appointment of the immediate past president of the Law Society of England and Wales, Christina Blacklaws, as Non-Executive Director.

Christina joined Blake Morgan in February as a Non-Executive Director to provide an independent and constructive overview on a number of key initiatives the firm is developing.  In her role, Christina will be working closely with Blake Morgan’s Managing Partner Mike Wilson, the Strategy Board and the operations team to help to deliver the firm’s growth strategy.

With over 25 years’ experience practising law and holding various representative roles in the legal sector, Christina brings with her a wealth of leadership expertise and a track record of driving growth through innovation. Christina previously held the position of Director of Innovation at Cripps LLP, and also founded one of the UK’s first ‘virtual’ law firms. With a private client background as a family and childcare lawyer, Christina played a leading role in setting up the legal services division of the Co-operative Group (the Co-op).

Christina’s appointment comes as Blake Morgan continues to report an increase in sustainable profits following a number of recent initiatives introduced by the firm, including targeted investment in technology and a number of strategic hires. Christina’s current involvement in chairing two Government panels, as well as holding a university fellowship and lecturing internationally, complements the firm’s ambitious plans.

Christina will play a key role in developing the firm’s equality, diversity and inclusion policies – an area of focus for the firm which is already widely accredited by a range of organisations including Prime, Stonewall, and Aspiring Solicitors. Blake Morgan was recently recognised for its continued dedication to workplace diversity, climbing two places to be rated as the 35^th progressive law firm in ‘The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers’ list – a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion and opportunity for all employees and workers.

Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan’s Managing Partner, said: “Christina’s appointment is a significant milestone towards the achievement of Blake Morgan’s growth plans and complements our strategy to ensure we continue to provide a client service which is second to none, as well as maintaining best practice and an inclusive, innovative workplace for the benefit of employees and partners.

“In the short time Christina has been with us, she has already made a significant impact, the benefits of which will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.”

Commenting on her appointment, Christina Blacklaws, said: “The measure of any good law firm is the quality of service it can provide to its clients, which is directly attributable to the well-being of the firm’s employees and partners. In turn, this has to be nurtured and advanced as the provision of legal services adapts to the changing landscape and different working practices. Blake Morgan recognises the challenge and the opportunities these changes will bring.

“I am delighted to be working with the Managing Partner and the Blake Morgan Strategy Board in a non-executive capacity to build on and develop the firm’s values and investment in its people and technology. I believe this will create an enhanced and positive working environment for everyone at Blake Morgan. I have seen over the course of my career the short- and long-term benefits of such a strategic focus. There is no doubt in my mind it will lead directly to excellent client service and sustainable growth.”