One of the country’s most high profile lawyers, Christina Blacklaws, has joined Cripps as Director of Client Services as part of the law firm’s strategy for continued growth.
Christina has 25 years’ experience in legal services including developing and running the largest specialist family law firm in the country; building an innovative hybrid (part virtual, part high street) firm and most recently as Director of Policy at the Co-operative Legal Services, where she was responsible for all external relationships.
She also sits on the Law Society Council, representing the Women Lawyers Division, and on the executive of the Family Justice Council.
“I am very pleased to be joining Cripps and to help build on its success. Working with an ambitious firm to take its business on to the next level is a great opportunity,” she said. “Following on from the recent rebrand, I’m looking forward to working with everyone across the business to help this forward thinking law firm evolve to a world class level.”
Cripps, a merger between Cripps Harries Hall and corporate law specialist Vertex Law, has a workforce of more than 300 – including 48 partners – and is budgeting this year for annual turnover of £25.9m and plans to grow further. It has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill, London and Sandwich.
Cripps managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “Christina brings with her enormous experience of developing successful teams and innovative ways of doing business. Her role encapsulates four main components: championing excellence in client service, bringing in new business opportunities, identifying areas where we can improve productivity and enhancing our visibility through stronger media relations. We’re excited to have her on board.”