Southampton: Law firm appoints new managing director

Trethowans, a leading South Coast law firm, has appointed a new managing partner.

Mike Watson, who has led the firm’s corporate team for more than 10 years and is part of the existing management board, takes on the position effective April 1, 2021.

“I am proud to be appointed Trethowans’ new managing partner,” said Mike. “I have lots of positive ideas and initiatives for the firm, including enhancing our client service delivery by using market-leading technology and continuing to attract the best legal talent, all whilst staying true to our roots and our culture.

“We are heavily investing in our IT infrastructure to drive efficiencies for our clients. This will also ensure we continue to enable our lawyers to divide their time between the office and home beyond Covid-19. This will be the new norm and law firms need to embrace it.”

The firm is also implementing a range of new wellbeing initiatives for staff, including an interactive wellbeing centre, where staff can access education, support and other tools to help with physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Watson emphasised: “Trethowans has a special culture, in which employees are given the freedom to operate autonomously where possible and made to feel part of, and instrumental in, the success of the firm.

“Our continued growth in the last 12 months is down to each and every person at Trethowans and the ongoing support from our clients. The feeling of being part of a growing and successful law firm, where every person and client is valued, is one of the reasons I joined and why we appeal to aspiring lawyers across the south of England.”

Recruitment will be a key objective for Trethowans. The firm is opening a new 2,000 sq ft Winchester office in April and is actively seeking to appoint 10 new lawyers across the property, family, private client and agricultural sectors.

Former managing partner Chris Whiteley, who has been instrumental in leading Trethowans from strength to strength over his six-year tenure, will become senior partner and continue to work closely with Watson on the firm’s management board. He added: “Mike is dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable. Having worked with him for the last six years on the firm’s management board I am sure that he will do a fantastic job and wish him every success in his new role.”

Trethowans has been offering legal services to businesses and individuals in the south of England for over 150 years with offices in Southampton, Salisbury, Poole, Bournemouth and Winchester.