Managing director retires after decade of success

A legal firm is preparing for a leadership change after more than a decade.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which serves clients across Northumberland, Cumbria and beyond and has offices in Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith and Cockermouth, as well as Hexham and Haltwhistle, is set to appoint a new managing director following the retirement of Peter Stafford. 

Peter, who has been with the firm for over 25 years and managing director for the past ten years, will step down at the end of September.

Under Peter’s leadership, Cartmell Shepherd expanded significantly by acquiring Hexham-based Nicholson Portnell last year and opening its first new office in 30 years in West Cumbria in 2018. 

The firm now employs nearly 130 staff and recently earned multiple nominations at the Northern Law Awards.

Yet for Peter, his most lasting achievement has been fostering a more approachable and supportive culture at Cartmell Shepherd, while also increasing the firm’s involvement in local communities.

He said: “It’s been an honour to lead the team for the past ten years but the time is right for me to step down and enjoy my retirement. 

“My aim was for us to be the opposite of the old-fashioned, grey-suited law firm by ensuring that our culture, communications and branding all reflected a less formal approach while still delivering the same professional, expert, practical legal advice.

“My ultimate aim was to make visiting a solicitor a less daunting proposition for people.

“We’ve definitely become a more outward looking company over the past decade.

“We don’t just support community events and not-for-profit organisations financially; our teams are encouraged to actively get involved which makes all the difference.”

Peter’s successor, Joanne Stronach, currently the firm’s head of employment and HR, will become Cartmell Shepherd’s first female managing director. 

With more than 30 years of legal experience, Joanne joined the firm in 2018 and plans to maintain her focus on advising employers alongside leading the firm.

Joanne added: “Having the confidence of the board and the wider Cartmell Shepherd team that I’m the right person for the job is hugely important to me. 

“I’m proud to have an expert, dynamic, innovative board of directors supporting me who understand that the legal industry is evolving rapidly and who are committed to embracing new technology to help us move with it.

“I’m looking forward to building on everything we have achieved over the past ten years, and continuing to grow and develop the firm to both embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges ahead.”

Peter added: “I’m delighted that Joanne will be taking over as managing director and bringing her expertise, experience and people skills to the role. 

“As a legal firm, we are always looking to the future by making the right choices and Joanne’s appointment will ensure we continue to build on our successes and move forward.”

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