The change, which is set to be implemented within the next six months, will see the national law firm’s 15 offices adopt a single financial monitoring process, allowing it to have joint invoices.
The move, which will be led by the firm’s finance director, Laurence Campbell, is likely to be greeted with surprise by some of the firm’s rivals, as many comparable firms have already introduced such measures.
Crossley was formally re-appointed as
The former litigation chief, who replaced veteran leader Chris Jones in the role in May 2005, will now continue for a further three years when his current term expires on 30 April, 2008.
Crossley told Legal Week: “I am honoured to be re-elected in the very significant vote in my favour by the partners, even though I was the only candidate. We are a unified firm speaking with one voice.
“We are looking to unlock more value from the business by introducing new systems for more collaborative working across our offices.”
He said other areas of focus during his second term would include business development and training.
Crossley is widely credited with steering
This year, the firm announced strong financials, achieving a 23% rise in average profits per equity partner from last year’s figure of £328,000 to £404,000 against a broadly static turnover. Total profits were up 11% to £29.3m. The firm also said it had reduced its overdraft by approximately 65%. It once stood at around £30m.
Crossley said: “We have put to bed difficult issues that faced the firm and moved forward away from them. We are able to face the future with confidence.”
