30 April – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Shakespeares has appointed Mike Hibbs as Senior Partner to head the 170-strong team based in Temple Street. Tony Jones steps down from the role on May 9th after a successful six-year leadership and will continue as Head of the Education and Charities in Shakespeares Commercial team.
Currently Head of Shakespeares’ Employment team, Mr Hibbs becomes the youngest senior partner in the firm’s history.
Mr Hibbs attended The College of Law in Chester before returning to Birmingham to pursue his legal career. He qualified in 1983 and joined Bettinsons solicitors in 1985 who subsequently merged to form Shakespeares in 1990.
Mr Hibbs is a staunch supporter of Birmingham. Chair of Big Brum Theatre in Education Company, he is also a board member of the Ikon Gallery and a visiting professor of Employment Law at the UCE.
He is also a co-opted member of the Birmingham Law Society Employment Law Committee and holds office as a General Commissioner of Income Tax.
Often referred to as a leader in employment, Mr Hibbs is an author of many articles on a wide range of employment law issues and mediation. He is the contributing author of the Unfair Dismissal and Redundancy Sections of Jordans Employment Law Service.
Commenting on his new role Hibbs said: “I feel highly privileged to take on this role. Shakespeares is a forward thinking law firm that has an exciting future ahead of it and I am delighted to be able to play my part in this ongoing success. We employ a fantastic team who has wealth of expertise that can compete with the very best in the marketplace now and in the future.
“Birmingham’s strength as a legal centre in the UK’s commercial market is widely acknowledged and its reputation continues to grow. We are committed to the city especially to its attractive status as a leading professional services centre which serves as a magnet for local, national and international clients.
Tony Jones commented: “Mike is most highly regarded within the firm and was considered the right man for the job by his peers. I know that under his enthusiastic leadership Shakespeares will continue to flourish and am delighted to hand over the reigns to such an outstanding leader.”
Mike Hibbs currently lives in Wolverhampton with his wife and two children.
