Venerable Lincoln’s Inn outfit Payne Hicks Beach has announced a rare changing of the guard at the top table.
After what the firm described as a ‘transformative seven-year tenure’, Robert Brodrick step downs today as chair of the management board. He is succeeded by Lucas Moore, partner in commercial disputes and a member of the board since 2024.
Freddie Bjorn, partner in private client, joins the board. He will be joint managing partner alongside immigration specialist Kathryn Bradbury.
PHB was founded in 1770 and has remained at offices in New Square ever since. The firm is known for its private client and family law work, serving wealthy clients, landed estates, entrepreneurs and family offices. Its best-known practitioner is Baroness Shackleton (Fiona Shackleton), a longstanding partner described as the ‘most feared divorce lawyer in Britain’.
Brodrick has overseen a rapid expansion and diversification of the firm during his tenure. Last November the form posted a 47% rise in profit before members’ remuneration and profit shares to £17.9m for the year to 31 May 2025, up from £12.2m in the previous 12 months. Turnover climbed from £37.9m to £44m.
The firm said then that international work was expected to double over the next five years as the firm continues to attract global clients seeking London expertise.
‘During his time in the role, Robert [Brodrick] has provided exceptional leadership, modernising the firm’s governance and steering the firm into a period of record financial growth,’ PHB said today. ‘He will continue to play a key role in the firm as a partner in the private client team, where he will focus on further developing his highly regarded international practice.’
PHB has 47 partners, with the proportion of women doubling in the past five years to one third.
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