Member network LawNet announces leadership changes as Marston to step down

Law firm mutual and membership body LawNet has announced a change at the top of it’s leadership team as CEO Chris Marston will step down in June 2025 after eleven years in the role, to be succeeded by LawNet’s current member engagement & strategy director Helen Hamilton-Shaw.

A banker by background having been head of professional practices at Lloyds Banking Group, Marston was just the fourth leader in LawNet’s history when he was appointed in 2014. Marston himself took on the role from retiring John Thomas who had led the group for 15 years. As well as leading LawNet, he presently serves on the advisory committee of the Leadership & Management Section at the Law Society of England & Wales.

Hamilton-Shaw has been at LawNet since 2004 and is currently the engagement & strategy director, responsible for driving forward many of the network’s initiatives. She led the creation of the network’s award-winning Excellence Mark, which allows firms to differentiate through measurable client care and experience, now integrated into LawNet’s ISO9001 standard. Hamilton-Shaw holds an MBA from Aston Business School, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Commenting on her succession she said

“It is a tremendous privilege to be named for the role of CEO and to lead the talented and dedicated team we have here at LawNet HQ. A team committed to LawNet’s purpose and focused on innovating and continually improving how we support our members.”

“I owe a debt of thanks to Chris, for his mentorship and support, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to build on his legacy as we continue to innovate, connect and add value to the network, ensuring it remains a vital resource for our member firms in an evolving landscape.”

LawNet is a mutually-owned community of ‘progressive SME law firms’ fostering collaboration, providing business support, and learning opportunities. Launched in 1989, the network now has 70 members, ranging from £2m to £25m turnover. Chair of the board, made up from member firms, Derek Rodgers, thanks Marston for his stewardship.

“Chris has had a significant impact within our network and beyond. He is widely respected as a powerful advocate for our members, championing their interests on strategic developments within the legal sector. Under his leadership, the network has gained significant recognition as a leading voice in the profession, known for advancing excellence and innovation in law firm management.

said Rodgers, who is also managing partner of Gardner Leader LLP.

“Inevitably, he was always going to be a hard act to follow, but the board had an easy task, identifying Helen as a very natural successor. This transition reflects the strength of the LawNet team and the ambition we have for the network’s future, which is towards a vision for growth and excellence. It also underscores our commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation in the legal profession.”

Looking ahead Hamilton-Shaw will continue to oversee the flagship annual conference and the network’s extensive learning and development programme

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