Weightmans is first to name pre-selected managing partner

Liverpool-based Weightmans last week claimed a first in legal circles with the appointment of its first 'managing partner-designate', who is to be specifically trained for the role.

The announcement came as part of a major management reshuffle at the 55-partner defendant insurance firm which also saw the appointment of its first ever managing partner, insurance litigation and finance partner Mike Radcliffe.

Ian Evans was also named as the new senior partner of the firm, which also has offices in Manchester, Leicester and Birmingham.

In preparation for his role as managing partner in 2003, employers' liability specialist David Lewis will be sponsored by Weightmans through a masters in business administration (MBA).

It is likely that he will undertake the 12,000 to 15,000 MBA part-time at Manchester or Nottingham business school.

The course covers subjects including business economics, strategic management and organisational behaviour.

Mr Lewis said he was 'very flattered' to have been chosen by the partnership for the role.

He added that he was pleased the firm had been 'forward thinking' in going down the route of pre-selecting managers, which was 'tried and tested' in other fields.

Mr Evans said the firm believed that identifying and training managing partners in advance of their appointment would 'set a trend in the legal sector'.

He added that the handful of lawyers who had the right skills to undertake a management role in a large legal practice could be better prepared for the job by specific relevant training.

Sue Allen