Strategic reshaping of senior team positions LawNet for future growth
LawNet has appointed Lee Woodger to the newly created role of head of community and communications, as part of a strategic realignment of senior roles within the national SME law firm network. The move supports LawNet’s ongoing evolution, blending digital innovation with personal engagement to deliver further value for its members.
His appointment forms a key part of the network’s leadership transition, which will see current chief executive Chris Marston hand over to member engagement & strategy director Helen Hamilton-Shaw in June.
The restructure has also seen long-standing team member George Coombes joining the executive team, following promotion to a new role as head of operations and member services.
Woodger brings extensive cross-sector experience, having held national membership, marketing and communications leadership roles across the agricultural, energy and built environment sectors. His previous positions include a decade as head of membership at the NFU, with its 45,000-strong membership, and a senior marketing communications role at the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Welcoming the appointment, Chris Marston said: “Lee brings a distinctive mix of experience that reflects the value we place on building deep, long-term relationships with our members. He’s already proved himself in creating strong, engaged communities and I know the network will benefit from his energy and insight.”
A community of progressive SME law firms, LawNet is recognised for fostering collaboration, providing high-quality learning and business support, and enabling members to differentiate in their markets, including through its own ISO standard and group insurance scheme.
Woodger’s background aligns strongly with this agenda. His track record includes national policy work in skills and learning, alongside managing engagement with the network of 250 self-managed NFU Mutual agencies, with a model that echoes LawNet’s independent membership structure.
Among his achievements, Woodger helped secure a food supply chain deal for the 2012 London Olympics, delivering direct benefits to producer members of his stakeholder group. He will also draw upon a decade of experience leading the development and delivery of the NFU’s major national conference, as he contributes to shaping LawNet’s flagship annual event.
Speaking about the new role, he said: “What attracted me was the sheer scope - a new sector, new learning - but a familiar setting, representing independent businesses. I’ve spent 20 years working on behalf of members and their teams to help them succeed, and that’s what energises me.”
He added: “A big appeal is the human connection. LawNet has many thousands of individuals across the network, but it’s made up of around 70 member firms - which gives a real opportunity to build close, personal relationships across the board. That’s what makes it special.”
Also joining the newly structured executive team, George Coombes will lead the strategic development of LawNet’s member services and partnerships. He will continue to expand the portfolio of approved third-party suppliers and secure sponsorship for the annual conference and awards, alongside a new focus on enhancing operational efficiency across the business.
He is also well-known for leading LawNet’s annual adventure challenges for member firms, with past events including the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Helvellyn, Snowdon and the Peak District. Coombes himself has completed the national Three Peaks Challenge, climbed Kilimanjaro in 2019, and is currently on a personal quest to summit the highest point in every county in England.
Coombes said: “I’m relishing the opportunity to expand our services for members, helping firms save time, money and resources by securing the best suppliers, the best deals, and managing those relationships effectively. I’m also excited by the challenge of optimising network performance, particularly through digital transformation.”
Supporting the restructured team is Betty Heaton, who joins as member services co-ordinator. She will work alongside Coombes to manage the approved supplier portfolio and support the delivery of the network’s annual awards programme.
Helen Hamilton-Shaw added: “Technology is bringing many changes to the legal sector, but people want to be treated as individuals first. That’s true for law firm clients and it’s true for our members.
“I’m looking forward to working with our newly structured team as we build on our ambitions for the network: continuing to innovate, connect, and add value as a vital resource for SME law firms in an evolving legal landscape.”