Russell-Cooke has announced the election of Matt Garrod as Senior Partner, and Janice Gardner as Deputy Senior Partner.
The appointments take effect from 1 July 2025.
Matt Garrod previously served as Deputy Senior Partner having been elected in June 2024, having also sat on the Board as an elected member for six years. He is a partner in the firm’s real estate, planning and construction team, advising on high-value real estate transactions, including investment acquisitions and disposals, premises acquisitions for major retail clients, landlord and tenant matters, development and real estate finance. He joined Russell-Cooke in 2005 and was promoted to the partnership in 2013.
Janice Gardner is a partner in the firm’s personal injury and medical negligence team, handling a varied caseload of both clinical negligence and personal injury cases with particular expertise in infection, spinal injuries and brain injuries. Since joining Russell-Cooke, Janice has built a successful personal injury and clinical negligence team, as well as gained management experience serving two terms on the Board and a number of other committees including the Remuneration Committee and Senior Associate Advisory Panel. She has been a partner at Russell-Cooke for over 24 years, making her one of the longest serving partners in the firm.
It is a great honour to be elected Senior Partner of Russell-Cooke. In the past five years, we have experienced an impressive 42% growth and continue to deepen and multiply our client relationships, undertake high-profile work and deliver on our legal aid and responsible business commitments. To be assuming the role on the cusp of a new strategic cycle is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to building upon Jonathan’s work as the firm moves into its next stage of growth. Jonathan has an exceptional record of service to Russell-Cooke, and I want to thank him on behalf of the firm for his invaluable contribution in his roles as Managing Partner, Deputy Senior Partner and Senior Partner.
Our blend of expertise across commercial, not-for-profit and private client work – and the depth of our experience in each area - is a key characteristic of Russell-Cooke. But it is doing the right thing for our clients, people and communities, and taking a thoughtful approach to everything we do that has enabled the sustainable growth of the firm and will continue to do so into the future. I am grateful to Russell-Cooke for this opportunity and delighted to joining the leadership team as we continue to build upon the firm’s successes.
Congratulations to Matt and Janice on their respective appointments. Both are long-serving members of Russell-Cooke and will bring abundant experience and energy to their new roles. I greatly look forward to working together in the coming years.
Matt Garrod succeeds Jonathan Thornton who is stepping down from the partnership, and the role of Senior Partner. He takes on the role of consultant to the firm and will continue to advise clients and support the firm’s corporate and commercial practice.
The Senior Partner and Deputy Senior Partner are supported in their roles by the firm’s Managing Partner, James Carroll. James was re-elected for a second term as Managing Partner in February 2024.
Russell-Cooke’s Senior Partner, Deputy Senior Partner and Managing Partner continue to maintain their client-facing practices, alongside their leadership roles as part of the firm’s Board. They are supported by the wider leadership team, including the firm’s four operational Directors Anu Kapila (People, Risk and Standards); Sam Allen (Finance, Technology and Facilities); Emma Shipp (Client Service) and Simon Moffat (Marketing and Business Development).
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