Liverpool law firm Hill Dickinson appoints a former JP Morgan and Barclays Capital executive as its new chief operating officer. Tony McDonough reports

Tas Quayum is the new chief operating officer of Liverpool law firm Hill Dickinson.

Mr Quayum comes with a background in financial and professional services. He worked at an executive level for leading global investment banks, JP Morgan and Barclays Capital.

He formerly worked as chief operating officer for the professional services division of Smith and Williamson (now Evelyn Partners). Prior to that he had the same role at KPMG’s financial services, risk consulting and government and infrastructure businesses. 

Most recently, he was chief operating officer of Forresters, an international IP law firm. Hill Dickinson chief executive Peter Jackson said: “Was joins us at a time when the firm has experienced five years of successive growth.

“During this time we have also added two new UK offices and more than 50 additional partners and legal directors to our global headcount.

“As a law firm that is constantly looking ahead to ensure our operating model remains fit for purpose in an increasingly competitive world, we appointed our first ever chief operating officer in 2016.

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“It marked a transformative step for our business and now more than ever, as we continue to grow, it is a role that remains crucial to our ongoing success.”

Mr Quayum succeeds Iain Johnston, who has chosen to step down from the role after seven years. He remains very much involved in the firm as a non-executive director on the board.

“The opportunity to take up the position of chief operating officer at Hill Dickinson at this point in my career is something I was delighted to accept,” added Mr Quayum.

“I had seen from afar in recent years the success with which the firm has achieved sustained organic growth while maintaining a people-first culture that is the envy of many other law firms.”