FJG Chief Executive Officer Paula Fowler has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 National Business Women’s Awards in the £10m-£25m turnover category.

Paula Fowler, who leads Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP (FJG) – which has nine offices in Essex, Suffolk and London – has had a meteoric rise in the profession, having started as an office junior in 1983.

She joined FJG as Practice Manager in 2010, subsequently becoming Managing Partner (Equity) the following year.  In 2021, she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and then again earlier this year to Chief Executive Officer. Paula has helped oversee the firm’s transformation, growing its annual turnover from £2m to £10m.

Paula said: “I’m humbled to be recognised among such accomplished women in business. I strive to inspire and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women from underprivileged backgrounds, to achieve their full potential, so being shortlisted for this award is a real honour.”

With her support, the firm has implemented a range of transformative initiatives including flexible working patterns for working parents, menopause and first aid training, and has fostered a more inclusive, caring environment that promotes diversity and innovation.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, with FJG earning accolades such as one of the Sunday Times “Best Places to Work” and the “Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative (under 750)” by People in Law.

Paula has since promoted several senior female lawyers to Partner, creating an Executive Board that is now female heavy, but she is quick to stress that this is based entirely on aptitude, rather than gender.

During this time, she has also raised three children and achieved an MBA.

Paula’s strategic leadership has been pivotal in navigating the firm through a successful Private Equity acquisition by Lawfront Group in 2021.

Tony Fisher, Executive Chair of FJG, praised Paula’s leadership, stating: “Paula is an exceptional leader and role model. Having joined us 14 years ago, she has transformed the practice into one of the leading and most respected law firms in the southeast and a top 100 law firm group. I cannot think of anyone more deserving.”

The awards ceremony will take place at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel on October 25th, 2024.

FJG is one of the leading law firms in the south east. We are part of Lawfront who provide legal services to individuals and businesses through four leading regional law firms Farleys, Fishers Jones Greenwood LLP, Nelsons, and Slater Heelis. Backed by private equity fund Blixt, its vision is to build a high-quality, national business, dedicated to its people, and retaining the very best in the profession to provide the best possible service to clients. Lawfront backs its regional firms to achieve their growth ambitions through investments in people, technology, cross-group collaboration and further local acquisitions, with the support of a highly experienced central team.

For more information about Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, visit www.fjg.co.uk.