Today, we announce that John Cahill will retire as Managing Partner in July 2022. John will take a step back from day-to-day practice but remain a partner and continue to provide strategic support and advice to the firm.
John co-founded the firm with Douglas Stewart and four other founding partners in 1990 and was appointed as Managing Partner in 2000. During the 22 years of his leadership, the firm has achieved exceptional and sustained growth. Annual revenue has increased from less than £3m in 2002 to a likely figure of £100m in the current financial year. The number of partners has risen from seven to 73.
When appointed, John made the strategic decision to focus on high value and complex disputes only and shut down the non-contentious business the firm was undertaking. Over the past two decades, that strategy has proved a success as we are now widely regarded as a leading litigation law firm. He also created the Stewarts Foundation, which has donated nearly £7m to UK charities, including more than £2m to the Access to Justice Foundation. In 2021, John set up the Stewarts Academy, which will help define and shape the firm’s future leaders.
John comments:
“In 2000, I set out to establish a leading litigation law firm. I’m extremely proud of what Stewarts has become: a law firm employing the very best partners and staff, delivering excellent litigation skills, strategies and results, and achieving profitable, sustainable and smart growth. The vision I set out in 2000 has now been achieved.
“We have a wealth of talent coming up through the firm, and I believe the time is right for me to hand over the reins confident that the firm will continue its incredible journey.”
John’s notice of resignation became effective from 1 November 2021 and an internal transition committee has been established (as required by the firm’s Succession Blueprint) to identify the next Managing Partner. The new Managing Partner will be appointed by January 2022, allowing six months’ transition before John steps down from the role.
The partners at Stewarts commented:
“John has been an inspirational Managing Partner and is the architect of the firm today. He has led the business with energy, creativity and humanity, building outstanding commercial performance, creating a positive culture for our staff and delivering excellent outcomes for our clients.”
About The Stewarts Foundation
Since our inception in 1990, Stewarts have been actively involved in supporting a variety of charities. The Stewarts Foundation was set up in 2010 to formalise and manage the firm’s charitable giving.
To date, the Foundation has donated nearly £7m to over 200 charities.
You can find out more about The Stewarts Foundation here.
About Stewarts
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