The UK’s first publicly-quoted law firm, Gateley Plc, is celebrating success following an award win for its chief executive officer (CEO), Michael Ward.
CEO and Corporate partner, Michael Ward, won the ‘Inspiring Leader’ award at the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2016. The awards celebrate the rising stars of business and professional services in Greater Birmingham.
Michael Ward said: “At Gateley, we take huge pride in nurturing talent – creating an environment where people can develop their skills and careers, and form strong relationships with their colleagues and clients. It’s an honour to have won the Inspiring Leader award at an event which celebrates the work of exceptional young professionals in the region.”
Described as a “true pioneer”, Michael has been at the forefront of Gateley’s transition from traditional partnership to a publicly quoted commercial law firm. In June 2015, Gateley Plc became the first UK commercial law firm to be admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Since being a plc, Gateley Plc has opened a Reading office, and has been joined by a number of senior appointments, boosting its service offering. In addition to this, Michael has been commended for his work as an advocate for Birmingham and the region.
Michael is the current holder of the Law Society Gazette ‘Personality of the Year’ award, and has been named in Insider’s Power 100 and the Birmingham Post’s Power 250.
He has been at the forefront of Gateley’s success over the past 15 years, including the firm’s historic IPO. Michael became partner in 1988, senior partner in 2001 and is now CEO of Gateley Plc.
Gateley Plc works through a network of seven English offices based in Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Reading. In April Gateley announced its acquisition of tax-specialist Capitus, now Gateley Capitus. This is the first acquisition since the firm became the first UK-based law firm to float on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
