Leeds-based Parklane Plowden Chambers has appointed a new finance director to support the ongoing implementation of its growth strategy.
Martin Beanland has been promoted from management accountant to take up the new role, after initially joining the set in 2015.
Since joining Parklane Plowden, Martin has been part of several projects that have transformed chambers’ financial and case management processes.
In his new role, Martin is responsible for the running of all finance matters and supports the decision-making process for the executive and service boards, as well as the senior management team.
Commenting on his promotion, Martin said: 'Parklane Plowden is a progressive chambers in every sense, and that includes the way we have transformed how we manage cases and our finances for the benefit of our clients and members.
'In my new role, it is my responsibility to ensure we continually improve our finance function to ensure chambers has the capability and flexibility to enable the ongoing successful delivery of our growth plan.'
Parklane Plowden is home to 124 members operating from its Leeds and Newcastle premises. The set was formed in 2007 following the merger of Parklane Chambers in Leeds and Plowden Chambers in Newcastle.
Head of chambers, James Murphy, said: “Martin’s promotion is particularly pleasing as by dint of determination and sheer hard work he has progressed from being our accounts assistant in 2015 to a fully qualified chartered accountant in 2021 and now to the key role of finance director.'
The 2023 edition of legal directory The Legal 500 ranks Parklane Plowden Chambers as a tier one set on the North Eastern Circuit and recommends 59 of the set’s barristers across nine practice areas.
In its 2023 rankings, barristers’ directory, Chambers & Partners, placed Parklane Plowden as Band 1, the highest ranking a chambers can achieve, across chancery; clinical negligence; employment; family: children; and personal injury practice areas. Additionally, the set was ranked Band 2 for family: matrimonial finance and inquests and inquiries.
In October this year, Parklane Plowden retained the Chambers of the Year Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards. The set also won the diversity and inclusion awards at the Personal Injury Awards 2022.
Parklane Plowden reopened its four-storey, 11,000 sq ft premises on Westgate in Leeds city centre following the completion of a six-figure refurbishment in February this year.
The chambers’ internal space has been reorganised to create a high-quality working environment for its members and staff colleagues which supports flexible work patterns and remote hearings.
