Weightmans names next managing partner with Schorah set to stand down after 12 years

National law firm Weightmans has chosen Sarah Walton, its current Client Relationships Director, as its new managing partner.

She will assume the role at the start of the firm’s new financial year in April 2025, when managing partner of 12 years John Schorah will stand down.

Walton joined the firm in 2011 on the merger with North West law firm Mace & Jones.

She has held a broad range of roles throughout her tenure, including serving as Head of Service Delivery (Corporate, Commercial and Private Wealth) and Client Segment Head for large Corporates. She has also been a member of the firm’s Remuneration Committee.

Weightmans said its 2023/24 financial results were the strongest in its history with net profit up 41% on the previous year. 

Managing partner John Schorah said: “The last 12 years have been a period of profound change and development, both for us as a firm and for the legal sector as a whole. It has been a privilege to steer the Weightmans ship to growth during this time, making sure we remain true to our values of investing in our people and increasing accessibility to law as a career.

“Over the last 12 years I am proud that we have completed a series of successful mergers, growing our national presence from five to nine offices and turnover has almost doubled. Our work has become increasingly international in nature and this year we have opened our first overseas office in North America.

“We have diversified into other key sectors and service lines whilst underpinning our longstanding insurance and claims practice, with many of our Partners and teams being recognised as leaders in their field.”

He added that the firm had radically changed its approach to recruiting and retaining talent, “including being the first firm to welcome solicitor apprentices (this year we have 87), leading the way in social mobility in the legal profession, to restructuring our partner remuneration to incentivise collaboration and service excellence”.

Sarah Walton said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed as managing partner of Weightmans. Under John’s leadership we have achieved remarkable success and I am committed to building on this strong foundation, guiding Weightmans through its next chapter of growth and success, cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity, and continuing to deliver an exceptional client service that drives real value”.