Law firm CEO Paula Fowler is a finalist in the prestigious 2024 National Business Women’s Awards in the £10m-£25m turnover category.
Paula runs Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP (FJG), – which has nine offices, including in Suffolk – and has helped oversee the firm’s transformation, growing its annual turnover from £2m to £10m.
She has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the profession, having started as an office junior in 1983.
Paula 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.
She 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 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 earned FJG accolades such as 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 with a high proportion of female representation, but she is quick to stress that this is based entirely on aptitude, not 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 south and a top 100 law firm group. I cannot think of anyone more deserving.”
The awards ceremony takes place at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel on October 25, 2024.