Connect2Law appoints new chief executive

Connect2Law, a network of law firms created in 2001 by Pannone, has appointed a new chief executive.

David Jabbari, formerly chief operating officer of City firm Clyde & Co, becomes an equity partner at the Manchester-based firm.

In a statement on the network’s website, Emma Holt, managing partner of Pannone, said Jabbari’s appointment marked the “seriousness of our ambition” for the network.

“The development of Connect2Law is a very important strategic priority for Pannone and we have been looking for some time at how we can enhance the network,” Holt said.

“Our aim is for Connect2Law to become the UK’s leading response for law firms to the challenges and opportunities presented by the post-LSA market.

“This will involve a significant improvement in the products and services to members, together with a much higher visibility for the Connect2Law brand as a way of bringing new work into the network.”

Before Clyde & Co, Jabbari was a senior equity partner and the chief executive of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert. He handled both the acquisition of Halliwells’ insurance practice and the firm’s merger with Clyde & Co.

“He brings a wealth of experience of the legal sector, from a long background of law firm management,” Holt said.

“This background includes eight years as a global director at Allen & Overy, a member of the board of management at the College of Law, and a director at Bird & Bird, where he also founded a legal technology company owned jointly by the partners and David.”

Holt added that Jabbari was a regular writer and speaker at conferences on law firm management, risk management, legal IT, and new financing structures.