Benson was re-appointed as senior partner for another three years after standing in a contested election against Leeds-based planning partner David Hymas at the end of January.
The move also sees Benson take up the chairman position currently held by partner Maurice Cowen. The combined role will see Benson assume responsibility for overseeing Cobbetts’ supervisory board alongside his existing ambassadorial, client management brief as senior partner.
A role Benson has taken on with the chairman mantle is assessing market opportunities for Cobbetts in light of the Legal Services Act, the shake-up of legal services regulation that will allow law firms to attract outside investment.
The decision to unify the two roles comes amid an overhaul of Cobbetts’ governance and partnership, with the firm this year ditching its old salaried partner ranks and introducing two grades of equity partners.
Managing partner Michael Shaw said: “We are delighted that Stephen agreed to stand again as senior partner. His leadership and understanding of our business strategy will play a significant role in helping Cobbetts face the challenges of a rapidly changing market for legal services.”
