Jacksons appoints head of people

North East law firm Jacksons has appointed Ashleigh Barton as head of people as it continues to strengthen its senior leadership team.

Ashleigh will work with senior leaders across the firm to develop its people and culture strategy, with a focus on attracting and developing talent, strengthening leadership and performance and enhancing employee experience.

Her remit will also include ensuring Jacksons’ people strategy, systems and processes support its ambition to become the region’s independent law firm and legal employer of choice.

Ashleigh said: “Stepping into Jacksons, as we celebrate 150 years of heritage with ambitious growth plans, is an incredible milestone. 

“The firm’s greatest asset is its people, and our future success relies entirely on our talent. 

“By driving our people strategy forward, I’m keen to shape a workplace environment that empowers our team and advances our vision, ensuring we are constantly striving to be better for our people, our clients and our community.”

Ashleigh’s appointment follows the arrival of Erica Turner as head of legal and Amie Callan as head of operations, as Jacksons moves away from the traditional managing partner and partner leadership structure.

It also builds on a series of appointments and promotions made by the firm over the past two years, alongside its rebrand in 2025.

Jacksons, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, is continuing to invest in its people as part of wider plans to grow across the North East and beyond.

Amie added: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Jacksons - and we want to recruit and retain the best so that we can continue taking care of our clients for many more years to come.

“Ashleigh’s appointment as head of people is crucial to our strategy for further growth across the region and beyond - and our ambition to be seen as an employer of choice in the legal profession in the North East.

“We are looking forward to working with Ashleigh on our people strategy and the many additional exciting announcements to come in relation to key appointments and promotions.”

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