Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG) has promoted a number of experienced team members into senior leadership roles.
The firm, which is currently based in 10 locations across Essex and Suffolk, is embarking on a period of planned expansion, having secured backing from private equity house Blixt in 2021 and becoming part of the larger Lawfront Group.
Paula Fowler has been promoted to FJG CEO, bringing 40 years’ experience in the profession to her role. She has a wealth of management experience and has overall responsibility for running the business. Former CEO and Senior Partner Tony Fisher now takes on the role of Chair, where his sizeable experience and strategic insight will continue to guide the firm’s direction and reinforce its standing in the legal sector.
In Colchester, Charlotte Knappett is the new Head of the Family Team, taking over from Simon Osborn, who has retired. Gayle Fordham now leads the Residential Conveyancing department in advance of Mike Theeman’s retirement later this year, supported by new Business Development Manager Marion Knocker. Ashton Carter has already assumed the role of Head of Corporate and Commercial.
In Chelmsford, Rhian Lowe steps up as Head of Dispute Resolution, Keeley Miller takes on the role of Head of Commercial Property, assisted by Leon Pascal, while Greg John has been promoted to Head of Private Clients and is set to become a Partner, along with James Bird and Julia Brewer. Paula said:
“It is wonderful being part of FJG’s newest evolution and I look forward to seeing the growth of these individuals as they transition into their new roles. These advancements reflect not only our firm’s dedication to enhancing our client services but also our commitment to fostering talent and promoting from within.
Navigating my own career at FJG has provided me with a unique perspective, as I have stepped into nearly every role within the firm. This has proved invaluable, granting me a deep understanding of the functions and challenges faced by our team at every level of the organisation.”
Comments from their newly promoted colleagues
Reflecting on her professional growth, the new Head of the Family Team, Charlotte – who joined as a 21-year-old, said:
“My journey at FJG has been one of continuous support and belief in my potential. The firm’s confidence in me has been a constant source of motivation.”
Gayle, who now leads the Residential Property Department, said:
“Being promoted three days into my maternity leave not only affirmed FJG’s progressive culture but also underscores the firm’s support for its staff at all stages of their lives.”
The Head of the Corporate Department, Ashton, added:
“I joined the firm as a paralegal and secured a training contract shortly after, becoming a partner within a few years of qualifying and thereafter becoming department head 12 months ago. FJG really does invest in people if they show the ambition and capability to achieve.”
Head of Dispute Resolution Rhian says that she intends to include more social events in the team calendar, adding:
“Creating a workspace where everyone feels supported and valued is key to our collective success and our socials help create bonds between team members that translate to the workplace.”
Outlining how her own career will help to advance her team, Head of Commercial Property Keeley, said:
“My own diverse legal background, which includes criminal and property law, and more recently notarial practice, will help me to support my team’s own progression to ensure that we are able to meet the complex needs of our clients.”
Giving advice on career progression, Leon, who supports Keeley as Assistant Team Leader, said:
“Understanding that every task has value has been foundational in my career, so it’s important to trust the process. It isn’t always clear at the outset why you are carrying out a certain task, but it all becomes clear in the end.”
Sharing his plans for managing his team, Greg remarked:
“Leading a team is like tending to a garden; it requires patience, care, and the right conditions for growth. This perspective is integral to how I plan to support and develop our team, ensuring every member has the opportunity to flourish.”
Chairman Tony Fisher added:
“Each of these insights from our newly appointed colleagues highlight not just their readiness to embrace their new roles but also their commitment to the values that define FJG. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly make on our firm, the teams they manage and the clients we serve.”
