Leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams has introduced a pioneering management approach by appointing three Managing Partners — Emma Thompson, Vikki Herbert, and Anthony Macey — who will jointly lead the firm from 1 April. This move coincides with a reported 16.5% year-on-year revenue increase for the 2024–25 financial year.
All three new leaders have served on the firm’s Board, and this leadership trio marks what is believed to be a first in UK legal sector history.
The outgoing Managing Partner, Sean Sanders, steps down to return to his legal roots in real estate and residential conveyancing.
“Our initial end of year results show total revenue for 2024-25 of £14,500,000, compared to £12,440,000 in 2023-24, which at the time represented an unrivalled period of 9.1% growth on the previous financial year. The transition with Sean as exiting MP and Emma, Vikki and myself in the new structure over the last six months of the financial year is already showing signs of outperforming the ambitious objectives that we had set ourselves, with Thackray Williams’ growth continuing to accelerate,” explains Anthony Macey.
Thackray Williams is on track to become a top 200 law firm. “The primary focus of the three new Managing Partners is to continue the organic growth trajectory, achieved through refocusing on corporate and commercial work and restructuring into six sectors that reflect how our clients organise their professional and private lives, rather than the traditional legal silos,” comments Vikki Herbert. “This enables our clients to access the holistic solutions that they need, supported by exemplary customer service.”
The three new Managing Partners are each taking responsibility for different areas of the business. Emma Thompson, who heads the Commercial Group, is leading on technology, business development, strategic recruitment and people projects. Vikki Herbert, who heads Real Estate, is responsible for business development, risk, compliance and client service. Anthony Macey, who heads Private Wealth, is overseeing the firm’s financial operations, performance and business analysis.
“Strategic recruitment, retention, and empowerment of our people are critical to supporting our ongoing growth plans,” adds Emma Thompson. “We have recently appointed a new Head of People, Karen Bateman, who is ensuring we have the right structures, support and culture in place to enable our people be the best they can, including developing an enhanced wellbeing programme, in conjunction with a wellbeing expert, and harnessing technology to give staff more time to concentrate on the areas where they can really add value for our clients.”
The three new Managing Partners will all continue elements of fee-earning work in their respective areas. They will each have a presence across all of the different offices: Sevenoaks, the City of London, Bromley and West Wickham.
Outgoing Managing Partner Sean Sanders will lead Thackray Williams’ West Wickham office.