Karl Jansen leads a firm with serious momentum. In 2015, Freeths set itself a 2020 target of doubling revenue to £100m, which it achieved organically. At that point Jansen took over as national managing partner and his firm has continued to grow in spectacular fashion; last year, revenue increased 15 per cent to £128m.
Jansen is clear that Freeths should be a substantial player in local markets, but at the same time integrate and cross-sell with the national offering. Under his leadership the firm has already embedded itself in new markets such as Bristol, and more recently Glasgow. Indeed, Glasgow will be a particular focus for Jansen this year, with ambitious plans to hire energy sector talent – a key market for the firm.
An M&A lawyer by trade – he was head of corporate until he stepped up as managing partner – Jansen is particularly alive to the opportunities of growth outside lateral and team hires. With consolidation on the way in the mid-market, Jansen is scouting for serious opportunities. Expect bolt-ons (or even bigger) over the coming year.