Chief Executive Rachel Di Clemente has received national industry recognition for the leading role she has played since joining Hudgell Solicitors as she has today been named a finalist in the ‘Managing Partner of the Year’ category at the 2022 Modern Law Awards.
It comes as event organisers say there has been an ‘unprecedented level of high-quality nominations’ and follows Mrs Di Clemente impressively leading the business – in her first role as a CEO – through an ambitious programme of transformation and growth during times of uncertainty in the wider market, and having started the job during a pandemic.
Less than two years into a three-year strategy agreed with owner Neil Hudgell, Hudgell Solicitors is reaping significant rewards. Not only have work volumes been maintained throughout Covid-19, but performance has strengthened through diversification and acquisition and income has increased year on year, in spite of the pandemic and industry reforms.
Clarity was also brought to the firm’s purpose, leading a brand relaunch which delivered the very clear objective of standing up for the vulnerable and making justice accessible for all. The powerful purpose ‘Righting Wrongs’ – a phase now synonymous with Hudgell Solicitors – was established.
Mrs Di Clemente has taken a hands-on role in key legal actions, including high-profile compensation claims relating to the Post Office Horizon Scandal and by leading the legal support provided to more than 100 people injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
As part of her nomination, other senior legal professionals said she had established herself as ‘the key point of contact for the claimant group’ in that case, and how she had demonstrated ‘high level management skills’ in doing so, ‘making a real difference to how litigation is progressing’.
Internal career pathways improved in ‘transparent’ approach to management
Having worked her way up through the ranks over the past 23 years, from trainee Legal Clerk, Mrs Di Clemente has a drive and passion to ensure that people are given the opportunity to develop and thrive.
Since her arrival at the firm in 2020 she has led internal projects aimed at improving career paths at Hudgells.
These have included rewarding strong performers with promotions to positions as Associates, the introduction of quarterly face-to-face strategic updates to provide complete transparency over businesses strategy and performance to all staff, and the creation of a new trainee scheme.
She has also spearheaded the introduction of new innovations and technology, including a new management information system for the entire firm, and the development and launch of an app for clients from which all details of their cases can be accessed 24 hours a day.
Mrs Di Clemente has also introduced a new CSR strategy with a focus on being ‘locally loyal’ to neighbouring businesses and organisations, and introduced a formal policy aimed at embedding a culture of pro bono support across the firm, under which all lawyers commit a minimum number of hours each year to provide free legal advice to those most in need.
Corporate Services Solicitor John Cuss, who works closely with Mrs Di Clemente and the senior management team on business strategy, said: “Rachel is fully deserving of this shortlisting.
“In spite of having to deal with a pandemic, an acquisition and being heavily involved in the firm’s high-profile litigation relating to the Post Office Horizon Inquiry and the Manchester Arena Inquiry, she has retained a clear focus on doing the right thing at all levels and never taken her eye off the broader strategy to take the business forward.
“She has instilled an inclusive and transparent culture at the business, introducing opportunities to ensure staff have the best opportunity to progress their careers, continuously striving to provide the best service to clients, and make a positive impact in local communities.
“This has ensured sight of the firm’s founding principles, and the importance of making a difference to society, has not been lost.”
Managing Partners, Senior Partners, Heads of Chambers, Chief Executives and Chief Operating Officers were considered for the award.
To be shortlisted candidates had to demonstrate their ability to clearly articulate and communicate their firm’s purpose and priorities to staff and clients, help drive an inclusive culture through their leadership style and strategy, introduce unique innovations and technology and lead local community and pro-bono work.
The 8th Modern Law Awards will be held at The Brewery in London on Thursday, April 7th 2022 when the winners in 14 categories will be announced.