Matthew will take the reins on 1 March as Mike Brown’s six year term comes to an end

Following its triennial equity partner elections, leading insurance risk and commercial law firm, BLM has elected Matthew Harrington to be its new senior partner, with effect from 1 March 2018, and for a period of three years.

Matthew joined BLM in 2007 and has already enjoyed a number of significant milestones,: his extensive experience in client relationships, setting up offices in Cardiff and Bristol to extend the firm’s national footprint before joining the senior leadership team in 2014, when he became a member of the firm’s partnership board.

Matthew succeeds Mike Brown, who steps down and moves into a new role as head of risk and compliance following the completion of six years as senior partner. This election strengthens the continuity of BLM’s senior management team, following the appointment of Vivienne Williams as managing partner in July 2017, and more recently Paula Jefferson as lead for the flagship London office.

Over the next three years Matthew will lead the firm’s strategy, focusing on risk and insurance and supporting the ongoing diversification of BLM through the new commercial advisory and private wealth offering. He will also work with the firm’s Technovate steering group to increase innovation, looking at the key developments likely to impact customers in the future, whilst ensuring customers continue to make best use of the firm’s established analytics offering. 

On his appointment to the role, Matthew said: “My vision is to continue our ambition of being a market leading firm operating in risk and insurance in the UK and Ireland with an international reach, together with a strong non-insurance capability to offer to a wider client base. We have so much opportunity and I’m keen to work with colleagues to take advantage of our growing capabilities. I am looking forward to taking up the role in March, and I have already been working closely with Mike and Vivienne to prepare for the next three years ahead.”

Under Mike Brown’s leadership, BLM has restructured and reengineered its business model, becoming a leading and award winning law firm with a new commercial arm. The firm rebranded from Berrymans Lace Mawer to BLM, following its combination with HBM Sayers in Scotland, and its additional combination with Campbell Fitzpatrick in Ireland.  The firm also moved its London operations to a new location in EC3, to be at the heart of the Lloyd’s and the London Market. It is a founder member of the growing international network, Global Insurance Law Connect, which now has 13 members of like-minded firms around the world with more to come.

Commenting on his six years as senior partner, Mike Brown said: “I have been part of our firm since 1987.  I remain as excited about its future as I always have been. Leading BLM during the last six years has been a fantastic experience and a privilege. I have been supported by many wonderful, talented colleagues and together we have achieved a great deal, but there remains more to do.  I am confident that Matthew will maintain the progress that has been made, whilst leading BLM and delivering the firm’s vision into the 2020s.”

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