Leading law firm, Stephensons Solicitors LLP, has appointed a new managing partner.
Sean Joyce, previously head of Regulatory law at Stephensons, has taken up his position as managing partner of the entire Regulatory and Criminal Justice department, comprising 50 criminal lawyers and support staff, based across the firm’s ten offices including London, Manchester, Wigan, St Helens, Leigh, Altrincham and Bolton.
Over the past five years, Sean and senior partner Neal Boland have developed the Regulatory team from three members of staff to a 19-strong team specialising in all aspects of regulatory defence work including fraud, professional discipline, motoring, environmental among others.
In addition to overseeing this team, Sean’s new role will include managing the miscarriage of justice and appeals team, as well as the education law, crown court, prison law, civil liberties and human rights teams.
Sean has succeeded Martin Jones who has retired after 16 years as a partner with the firm. Martin will continue to work for the firm as a consultant.
Sean qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and has been with Stephensons for over 20 years. As a Magistrates Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor and a Higher Courts (Criminal) Advocate, Sean represents clients throughout the entire criminal process, from interviews under caution through to the Magistrates and Crown Court. He is recommended as a leader in his field by Chambers UK.
Sean said: “The Regulatory and Criminal Justice department has a national reputation in many areas of criminal defence. We’re proud of that reputation and I’m thrilled to be leading a team which can boast so many specialist solicitors conducting quality legal work.
“In recent years the department has grown considerably including opening a new London office and introducing new areas of work including education law and fitness to practice defence. I’m looking forward to further enhancing our service offering and the new challenges this role will bring.”
Ann Harrison, chairwoman at Stephensons, said: “Sean has been a major part of the success of the Regulatory and Criminal Justice department, under the guidance of Martin Jones. He is one of many partners who joined us as a graduate and has developed his entire career with Stephensons.
“There are challenges ahead in the criminal legal aid landscape and I’m certain that Sean will have a huge contribution to make to the future development of the firm as a whole.”
ENDS
Photo caption: Sean Joyce, new managing partner of the Regulatory and Criminal Justice department
Media information: Lianne Tracey and Chloe Kendall
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Tel: 01616 966 229
Email: lct@stephensons.co.uk