Changes at the top announced by North East legal company Jacksons Law Firm

Changes at the top have been announced by North East legal business Jacksons Law Firm as it closes in on its 150th anniversary.

Two new top roles have been created at the business, which has bases in Newcastle, Stockton-on-Tees and Sunderland, after Tony Wentworth announced he is stepping down from his role as managing partner. Erica Turner, partner and head of commercial property, is to take up the role of head of legal at the firm, while Amie Callan becomes head of operations.

The pair said they are looking forward to taking Jacksons, which was named Law Firm of the Year at the recent Northern Law Awards, further forward ahead of its 150th trading year in 2026.

Ms Turner said: “It is a privilege to be at the helm of Jacksons as it approaches its 150th year. I joined the firm in 2004, working alongside studying at university, and did not ever anticipate that 20 years on, this would be what the future held. This is testament to the mentoring, development and career opportunities that the firm provides - and which I am committed to delivering and developing moving forward.”

She added all successful businesses have to remain dynamic to succeed - and Jacksons is no exception.

“We’ve proven that, notwithstanding the firm’s heritage, the firm remains relevant, ambitious and successful as the firm’s recent Law firm of the Year and Practice Management Award wins demonstrate,” she said. “Within our strategic planning, we are constantly looking at how we can do things differently and better.”

Ms Callan, who joined the firm in 2018, said: “We have a dynamic and fast-paced partnership with a results-driven approach that drives change and improvements in all areas, from client experience through to employee culture. This would not have been possible without the support and mentoring of others such as Tony, Jane Armitage and Erica, showing the great stewardship of the company but also the role the culture plays in succession and ensuring people have the skills to succeed.”