Law firm appoints chair as ABS move gathers pace
Irwin Mitchell has appointed Glyn Barker as chairman designate as it continues preparations to become an alternative business structure (ABS).
The national law firm, which has offices in Birmingham, has begun the application process to become an ABS and the appointment of Barker, a former vice chairman UK of PwC, is dependent on the approval of this application and approval of Barker's appointment by the SRA (Solicitors' Regulation Authority).
He will be the first non-executive appointment to the board of Irwin Mitchell Holdings.
Chief executive John Pickering said Barker's appointment was the latest step in the firm's planning to become an ABS and to seek external investment to help further its growth strategy.
"This is an important appointment which again signals our intention to take advantage of the opportunities we think the Legal Services Act and moving to ABS status will offer us. We are delighted that Glyn will be working with us on moving forward our plans for growing the firm," said Pickering.
Barker added: "There is a strong senior team in place at Irwin Mitchell and I am looking forward to working with them as they advance their strategic growth plans.
"I share the view of Irwin Mitchell's management with regards to the scale of the opportunities that will arise through a move to ABS and potential external investment."
