The management team of what is now Bevan Brittan had a busy year to say the least. A year ago the firm was still part of South West heavyweight Bevan Ashford, at least in name. In fact, the demerged firm – Ashfords being the other half – had been operating with separate profit centres for some years. Nonetheless the demerger required careful planning, a major rebrand and a programme of external communications to clients, all within a tight timetable. The executive board, led by chief executive Stuart Whitfield, managed the demerger while also converting the new partnership to an LLP, all the while continuing business as usual for the clients.

For you North American readers, Bevan Brittan is a UK firm where managing partners are commonly referred to as Chief Executives (as is the case in Australia and a few other Commonwealth jurisdictions).

CONGRATULATIONS Stuart and all the solicitors and staff of Bevan Brittan for the awesome accomplishments that caused you to be “shortlisted” for the Management Team of the Year Award, sponsored by The Lawyer.

Bevan Brittan is in good company; also shortlisted are:

Clyde & Co

Cobbetts

Linklaters

Nabarro Nathanson

Simmons & Simmons

I wish Stuart and his team all the best in the final rounds.