Ashfords introduces Managing Associate role to pave the way for partnership

UK law firm Ashfords has promoted a trio of solicitors to a new Managing Associate role for experienced lawyers with ambitions to become partner.

The role is accompanied by enrolment into a new two-year flagship development programme designed to support and enable Managing Associates to understand the role of a partner and what it means to be a business leader at Ashfords.

Jon Groves (Corporate, Bristol), Sophie Michaelides, (Property Litigation, Plymouth) and Mark Forsey, (Real Estate, Exeter) are all promoted to Managing Associate this month.

Created by the firm’s Learning and Development team, the Managing Associate programme is designed to support the firm’s strategic commitment to excellence. Covering the period 2025–2030, the strategy aims to position the firm as trusted advisors on more complex and higher-value matters in the UK, with a focus on delivering excellence for clients and colleagues, developing an open culture, and achieving sustainable, profitable growth.

Combining ongoing coaching and feedback with personal, professional and leadership development, alongside practical business skills and know-how, the programme is structured around three core areas: personal and professional development, leading high-performing teams, and managing business operations.

The programme is also open to Legal Directors, with both Managing Associates and Legal Directors able to apply for partnership afterwards. While progression isn’t automatic, some may decide they’re not ready, or prefer to remain in their current roles, it ensures that when they are ready, the pathway to partnership is available to them.

Ashfords CEO, Louise Workman, says: “The golden thread running through the programme is developing an Ashfords owner mindset and understanding what it means to help run the business as part of the partnership. For our colleagues, it gives them a clear picture of what is expected if they wish to progress, while allowing the firm to understand their strengths and potential. It is a two-way process, grounded in our values of excellence and openness.

“I congratulate Jon, Sophie and Mark on their promotions and wish them every future success as they embark on this flagship programme. Our people are central to delivering our strategy, that is why, across the business, we are placing renewed emphasis on investing in them, enhancing our learning programmes to support high performance.”