Ironbridge Legal adds new COO and partner
Disputes and insolvency specialist firm Ironbridge Legal has appointed Julianne Clark as its new chief operating officer and Blake Shaw as a partner.
“Clark joins Ironbridge Legal with over 25 years of experience in law firm administration, operational management and strategy execution,” said the firm.
She had been an executive assistant for eight years at Eversheds and was a senior manager in operations and administration, Australia, for Equities First, a US financing firm.
Ironbridge was founded in 2019 under the name Blackwattle Legal by Trevor Withane, winner of Lawyers Weekly Insolvency and Restructuring Partner of the Year category. The firm has advised on matters for high-profile clients, including the Sydney Fish Market and Bosch.
“I am excited to begin my role as chief operating officer at Ironbridge Legal. I will commit to improving the company’s operational effectiveness and making sure that strategic plans are carried out to improve the services we provide,” Clark said.
According to the firm: “In just six years, Ironbridge Legal has expanded from a small, highly focused team to a multi-office, award-winning practice that has been recognised in The Legal 500, Doyles, Lawyers Weekly awards and other leading directories, while maintaining its high-powered elite boutique DNA.”
Having been a partner at law firm Bridges, Ironbridge said: “Shaw brings in 20 years of commendable experience in restructuring and insolvency matters, especially with matters having a contentious edge.”
Shaw said: “I am truly delighted to be joining Ironbridge Legal as a partner. Ironbridge has earned a strong reputation for building lasting client relationships, and I am excited to contribute to that legacy, particularly within the insolvency and restructuring space.”
Withane said: “This step makes sure that the firm can keep elevating its levels of service while also becoming ready to meet the changing needs of a market that is increasingly sophisticated.”
He added: “This expansion, driven by the growing demand for superior legal representation, is a positive move for the entire ecosystem, especially for both current and future clients.”
An operation that began as a boutique firm, Ironbridge has expanded into a multi-office operation aimed to “reshape expectations of what modern law firms can deliver and the way they protect their clients’ interests”.
The new COO said: “Joining such a vibrant and driven team truly excites me, and I look forward to playing my part in enabling our clients to achieve outstanding outcomes, with the work I contribute to behind the scenes.”
Ironbridge said: “Clients of law firms are increasingly seeking challenger firms that are more nimble and adaptable. The days of the hands-off partner are over; clients want top-tier matter delivery combined with direct access to the most senior people in the firm.”
Withane’s decision to add two new members to his growing practice was aimed at meeting growing client demand.
“The firm is committed to growing in a way that enables it to take the most proactive approach to clients’ matters and provide real-time advice,” he said.
Carlos Tse is a graduate journalist writing for Accountants Daily, HR Leader, Lawyers Weekly.