Burges Salmon has overhauled its management structure, splitting its partnership committee in two.

The regional heavyweight has divided its main management group, creating a smaller partnership committee, which will concentrate on long-term strategic issues, while department heads will now sit in a separate group focusing on operational short-term objectives, rather than sitting on the partnership committee.

The changes, introduced on 1 June, are among the first measures introduced by new managing partner Chris Jackson. Former managing partner Guy Stobart is still discussing his future role within the firm.

The firm said: "We have been reviewing the current governance structure of the firm to ensure that it is effective and responsive – to reflect the demands of a rapidly changing and competitive legal market."

The partnership committee now comprises Jackson, senior partner Stephen McNulty, finance partner Alan Barr as well as partners Ian Salter, Paul Browne and Helen Scott-Lawler, who will focus on the markets, finance and HR respectively.

The head of department committee will consist of practice heads, with Catherine Hallam replacing Michael Evans as head of private client and wealth restructuring, while Richard Clarke has replaced Paul Brown as head of real estate.

The firm will also be placing a higher importance on a formal sector group structure with a focus on energy and transport.

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