Surrey: Hart Brown unveils new management structure

Following a strategic review lasting two years, leading Surrey law firm Hart Brown has implemented a new management structure, with a team of six partners chaired by senior partner, Paul Tobias.

With the advent of new regulations affecting the ownership of law firms (alternative business structures), Hart Brown has undertaken a major strategic business review. This covered all aspects of the business and consulted with key stakeholders and every member of the firm. The outcome was to recommend a new management structure based on a more consultative approach with more delegation to partners and senior staff.

After over 28 years with Hart Brown, Bettina Brueggemann has stepped down as managing partner, a role she has fulfilled with distinction for thirteen years. Due to her skilful management and leadership Hart Brown was able to avoid making redundancies when the economic crisis hit in 2008 and instead she led it in its expansion program by the acquisition of its Wimbledon Village office and ongoing recruitment of high-calibre staff.

"Her contribution to the firm's success, its excellent reputation and strong position in the market place has been invaluable," said Tobias. "Bettina worked tirelessly in the capacity as managing partner and she will be greatly missed by us all.

"This is an exciting time for the firm and I'm proud to become the chair of the executive team. We have undertaken an extensive strategic review of our business, including consulting with all staff and key stakeholders. We are now able to implement the optimum management structure to lead Hart Brown in the new legal landscape."