Jacksons makes high-level strategic appointment, Head of People role to attract and retain best legal talent
A highly ambitious, independent law firm has made another key appointment, as it aims to become the go-to legal advisor for businesses and individuals across the North East and beyond.
Jacksons has appointed Ashleigh Barton to the senior leadership team in the role of Head of People – the latest in a string of significant appointments throughout 2026, as the firm celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Jacksons has developed a dedicated strategic focus on investing in its people, who are at the very heart of its business, enabling the firm to take care of clients.
It is keen to continue its efforts around creating a positive, high-performing and collaborative workplace culture, where talent is rewarded.
This strategic focus follows on from the appointment of Erica Turner as head of legal and Amie Callan as head of operations, which represented a strategic move away from the traditional managing partner and partner structure for law firms.
It also follows the firm’s successful rebrand in 2025 and a string of key appointments and promotions over the past two years.
Amie says: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Jacksons – and we want to recruit and retain the best so that we can continue taking care of our clients for many more years to come.
“Ashleigh’s appointment as Head of People is crucial to our strategy for further growth across the region and beyond – and our ambition to be seen as an employer of choice in the legal profession in the North East.
“We are looking forward to working with Ashleigh on our people strategy and the many additional exciting announcements to come in relation to key appointments and promotions.”
Ashleigh will be working with senior leaders across the firm to create a broad people and culture agenda, which focuses on attracting and developing talent, strengthening leadership and performance and enhancing employee experience.
She will ensure the firm’s people strategy, systems and process support its wider ambitions to be the number one legal employer and independent law firm of choice across the North East.
This will ensure Jacksons continues to be a place where talented people can build their careers and deliver excellent service to clients and enable the firm to develop and retain high-quality legal and business service professionals.
Ashleigh says: “Stepping into Jacksons, as we celebrate 150 years of heritage with ambitious growth plans, is an incredible milestone.
“The firm’s greatest asset is its people, and our future success relies entirely on our talent.
“By driving our people strategy forward, I’m keen to shape a workplace environment that empowers our team and advances our vision, ensuring we are constantly striving to be better for our people, our clients and our community.”
Ashleigh will work alongside the HR team, including Caroline Harrison and Alana Clift, pictured.
When we say we put people first, we mean it. That’s why we’ve created a flexible, friendly and collaborative place to work where people are supported every day.
Alongside a range of benefits such as life insurance, retail discounts and uncapped bonuses for fee-earner roles, we are committed to helping you develop personally and professionally. Just like our clients, our success is your success. We foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where ambition is encouraged, achievements are recognised, and every team member has the opportunity to build a rewarding and long-term career with us.
Take a look at our careers and current vacancies at Jacksons. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your career, we’d love to hear from you.
