Russell-Cooke—Jonathan Thornton

Russell-Cooke has announced the election of Jonathan Thornton (pictured left) as senior partner, and Matthew Garrod (pictured right) as deputy senior partner. The appointments take effect from 1 July 2024.

Jonathan previously served as deputy senior partner for three years, following six years as managing partner.

Former senior partner John Gould has stepped down from the role after leading Russell-Cooke for 35 years—during which time the firm has grown from revenues of £1.35m to almost £50m.

John remains a partner in the firm, and has taken on the new role of chair, alongside his regulatory law practice.

Jonathan trained at the firm and was made partner in the corporate and commercial team in 1991. He advises on a range of complex corporate deals and transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, company reorganisations, corporate finance, as well as shareholder, partnership and LLP agreements.

Matthew is a partner in the firm’s real estate team, advising on high-value real estate transactions, including investment acquisitions and disposals, premises acquisitions for major retail clients, landlord and tenant matters, development and real estate finance. He joined Russell-Cooke in 2005 and was promoted to the partnership in 2013.

Jonathan and Matthew are supported in their roles by the firm’s managing partner, James Carroll. James was re-elected for a second term as managing partner in February 2024.  

Jonathan said: ‘It is an extraordinary privilege to be given the opportunity by my colleagues to lead the firm which has been my professional home for over three decades, and to build on the growth that Russell-Cooke has achieved under John’s stewardship.

‘Over recent years the firm’s development has been marked, in no small part due to the steadfast commitment we have to our values and culture. These inform all we do, from our business model and recruitment through to our responsible business strategy.

‘I am looking forward to working with Matt, James and the rest of the board as we continue to deliver on our long-term strategy.’