Fletchers Group has launched a partnership programme, a first for the business in its 35-year history. 12 new partners will join the 12 directors of the business.

Peter Haden, chief executive, said the programme is part of his strategy to attract and retain the best talent for the North West-based medical negligence and serious injury firm.

Fletchers was acquired by Sun Capital in October last year, and Haden explained that he is looking to put more capital to work. “Sun Capital is focused on investing to build scale, including recruitment as well as M&A.”

“We recruited 120 people in the last [twelve] months and our new partnership programme is aimed at making Fletchers a great place to work, and, as importantly, a great place to develop your career.”

Fletchers has a 520-strong headcount with offices in Manchester and Southport.

Haden added: “The partnership programme is a core part of our people strategy, which we’ve created both to attract great legal talent, and to improve career satisfaction for our existing teams.”

“It includes embracing full flexible working; a concept that we celebrate for its genuine benefits to our colleagues. We have formally instituted new policies for home working, daily working and shareable jobs; as well as shaking up our maternity and paternity policies to become a genuine leader in this field.”

He continued:

“We believe we are a progressive legal firm, and a terrific home for both established lawyers, and aspiring young lawyers. Our business has a diverse network of talent; which is visible in the appointment of our new partners, and the breadth of leaders we are developing.”

On the new partners, Haden commented: “They include some of the most talented lawyers in the country, working on behalf of clients who’ve experienced serious injury and medical negligence.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the breadth of contributions; our team also includes ferocious litigators that put everything they have into ensuring a great result for their clients;

“We are also recognising innovators who come up with new ways of operating that build our reputation across the industry; and people leaders who inspire and develop those around them.”

“What they all have in common is that they have worked extremely hard to deliver results, build our practice, and help us grow.”

“It is a privilege to work alongside them and have them as part of the team.”

He said: “The partnership programme will be ongoing and we expect further partners to be elected every year. There won’t be a set limit to the number.”

The partners are:

Bob Coupland – Head of Strategy and Transformation

Caroline Morris – CILEX/Team Leader

Gerard Horton – Solicitor/Team Leader

Alison Flaherty – Head of Medical Negligence Serious Injury Southport

Christian Beadell – Head of Medical Negligence Southport

Trevor Ward – Senior Solicitor/Birth Injury Unit Team Leader

Iain Dodd – Senior Solicitor/Team Leader

Julia Eyton – CILEX/Team Leader

Michael Gray – Senior Solicitor/Team Leader

Saima Mazhar – Senior Solicitor/Team Leader

Dawn Bowdler – Head of Compliance

Samantha Labor – Solicitor/Senior Litigator