Capsticks’ new Managing Partner Victoria Watson steps into the role from today.

The handover concludes Martin Hamilton’s time as Managing Partner. Throughout his nine years at the helm, he has played a pivotal part in the success of the firm. Capsticks has more than doubled its turnover from £35 million in 2017 to over £85 million, supporting existing sectors, healthcare, housing, regulatory, emergency services, primary care, and insurance, as well as the successful launch into the local government market. The number of offices has also increased to six.

The firm announced Victoria’s appointment to the role last November – with it coming into effect on 1 May at the beginning of the new financial year.

Her incoming message is one of stability and efficiency as she promises a smooth transition and her intention to continue Capsticks’ sustained rise. She will also continue Martin’s work with Senior Partner Rachael Heenan and Chief Operating Officer Neil Middleton to deliver the firm’s strategy to be go-to advisers for organisations that work to make a difference and to sustain the firm’s people-first culture and values.

She joined the firm in 2007 and has led its national Employment & Pensions team since 2018. During that time, she has grown the practice to more than 90 specialists who deliver advice and support on workforce issues to clients across all the firm’s sectors.

Commenting on her plans in the new role, Managing Partner Victoria Watson said:

I want to say a huge thank you to Martin for everything he has achieved as Managing Partner over the past nine years. I’m very proud to be part of our firm, which has blossomed under his leadership. I feel privileged and excited to be able to step into this role and lead the firm forwards to build on our strong foundations. Capsticks is a firm that genuinely feels different – our culture, our values, and the clients we work with truly matter, and my priority will be to preserve and strengthen what makes us special as we continue to grow.

Our core strategy of Smart Growth, Go-to Advisors and Motivated Teams will remain at the heart of everything we do. There are huge opportunities and challenges ahead for us and our clients, and my focus will be on making thoughtful, incremental improvements to our processes that will help our people and our clients respond to them in the best way possible, ensuring that we remain the firm of choice for organisations making a difference – as well as a workplace where talented, ambitious individuals can thrive.

Senior Partner Rachael Heenan said:

I’m excited to welcome Victoria into the role of Managing Partner. We are particularly proud of the fact that there will be two women leading our firm at a time when only two in ten law firm leaders globally are women.

Vicky brings a deep understanding of Capsticks, a clear sense of purpose, and a strong commitment to our people and our clients, making her the perfect Managing Partner to take us into the next phase of our strategy.

I would also like to thank Martin for his outstanding leadership and the lasting impact he has made on the firm over the past decade. It has been an absolute joy to work alongside him, and I look forward to continuing the partnership in our Capsticks mediation practice.

Capsticks aims to be the firm of choice for organisations who work to make a difference. Our purpose is to be the legal advisers that clients want by their side, providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to our sectors’ unique challenges. Our lawyers work together as one team with the same values: putting people first, doing the right thing and always forward thinking.