Penningtons Manches’ chief executive recognised in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 2014

Posted: 13/01/2014

David Raine, chief executive of Penningtons Manches LLP, has been recognised in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 2014 list which features transactional lawyers, litigators, in-house lawyers and the non-lawyer leadership figures in the industry who have made a difference to the legal world over the last 12 months.

Since taking on the chief executive role in 2008, David has led the management board through a five year period of sustained growth for Penningtons Solicitors LLP. In 2011, the firm merged with Dawsons and Wedlake Saint, both City practices, as well as opening offices in Cambridge and Guildford in Spring 2012.

In summer 2013, Penningtons entered into discussion with Manches LLP which culminated in October with the coming together of the two firms to become one of the dominant legal players in the South East region. The deal saw all 265 Manches employees, including 46 partners, move to Penningtons to operate under the name of Penningtons Manches LLP.

David Raine led the management team from the front throughout the lengthy period of due diligence and negotiations. When the deal was completed, he commented: “The legal market is constantly evolving and we do not believe that standing still is an option for any strong, progressive law firm. Our two practices have recognised credentials, providing high calibre advice to UK and international clients.”

Looking ahead to the challenges of 2014, he said: “The management team’s attention is currently focused on integrating the newly-expanded firm behind a shared vision and strategy. The strategy is developing and progressing well and we will continue to centre around our key sectors and niche teams as well as a steadily increasing flow of work from international sources.

“In addition, we are continually expanding the work we do alongside our key clients to improve what we do and how we do it. Our ultimate aim is to be regarded as a trusted legal adviser whose input is highly valued by our clients and delivered at a sustainable cost and price.”

Penningtons Manches’ management board member, Rolland Keane, said: “Executing a successful growth strategy involving large scale mergers as well as maintaining the impetus at team level for organic growth on a day-by-day basis requires courage and vision as well as enormous energy. It also needs agile management skills and a deft touch with people; all of which David has in abundance.”

Prior to becoming chief executive, David’s legal experience included a couple of decades as a tort lawyer specialising in clinical negligence cases as well as overseeing tortious and contractual claims arising from accidents abroad.

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