Disputes partner takes on the role of compliance officer
City law firm Laytons ETL has appointed partner Ben Thorogood as its new compliance officer for legal practice (COLP). Mr Thorogood takes over from partner John Gavan, who held the role from its inception 11 years ago.
As COLP, Ben will be responsible for ensuring Laytons ETL’s compliance with the terms of its authorisation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and for ensuring that the firm, its managers, employees and interest holders comply with any SRA regulations which apply to them.
Ben joined Silverman Sherliker, which merged with Laytons in 2017, as a paralegal in 2012. He trained with the firm, qualifying in 2015, and was appointed a partner at Laytons ETL in 2022.
Commenting on his appointment, Ben said: ‘I am grateful for the immense contribution made by John Gavan during his tenure as COLP.
‘I am committed to providing the firm, and those engaged within it, with the support required to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, and to maintain an effective and dynamic legal practice.’
John is stepping back from the role to focus on his practice, which spans the firm’s corporate, employment and tax groups. A former main board director of a FTSE 350 company, and previous chairman and managing partner of Laytons, John has advised both employers and employees on share incentive schemes for over 30 years.
John said: ‘It has been an honour to serve as Laytons’ first compliance officer for legal compliance, and to play my part in maintaining, through one of the most turbulent periods in post-war history, the exemplary professional standards for which our firm is known.
‘I can’t think of anyone better than Ben to take over the role and I am sure he will be more than capable of tackling whatever challenges may come his way as the world changes, working practices continue to evolve, and the regulation of our profession adapts accordingly.’
