New Management Team for Crutes Law Firm

Northern Law Firm, Crutes is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Ager as Managing Partner and David Drewe as Chairman.

Helen Ager has been a partner with Crutes since 1997 and heads the Dispute Resolution Department. She is an accredited mediator and a nationally recognised expert in insurance and professional indemnity work. Helen returned to her native Newcastle, and joined Crutes in 1994, from leading London insurance firm Kennedys.

David Drewe has been a partner with Crutes since 1986. He is an experienced litigator with specific expertise in niche areas of professional negligence, stress, bullying and catastrophic personal injury.

David and Helen have been a successful partnership for many years, driving forward Crutes’ Dispute Resolution capability. In their new roles David and Helen are confident that their successful partnership will lead the firm into an exciting new era of growth. Over the coming years they anticipate maintaining their position in the public sector and insurance markets, and the continued expansion of the Firm’s business services department. Helen and David will also drive the Firm to be recognised as a regional leader for bespoke private client work to the middle market.

Helen says, “I am thoroughly looking forward to my new role. It is a challenging, but very exciting time for legal services, and particularly for Crutes. We have ambitious plans for this year and beyond which I will enjoy getting my teeth into.” David comments, “Helen and I have a proven track record as a successful team. Our aim is to ensure, not only the continued growth and success of the firm but to see that we all manage to have some fun into the bargain! We recognise the dedication, expertise and professionalism of our people – it’s important to us that being a part of Crutes is not only rewarding but enjoyable too!”

The change follows Stephen Crute’s decision to step down as Managing Partner, after 10 years. He will continue to head up Crutes’ Public Services Department providing legal services to the Public Sector, Local Authorities, Police Authorities, NHS Trusts and Registered Social Landlords.

Tim’s decision to step down as Chairman follows his reappointment to the Civil Justice Council and continued involvement in national projects, particularly in the insurance industry and mediation, for which he is a nationally recognised expert.

As a team, Stephen and Tim have guided the Firm through a period of significant positive change.To meet growing demand for its services across the region, Crutes invested in two purpose built premises; Newcastle in 2003 and Teesside in 2005 and in October 2005 completed a significant IT infrastructure upgrade. This major transformation has helped Crutes to be the modern Firm it is today.

Historically known for its insurance litigation work, Crutes has expanded its practice over the past five years and now offers advice to commercial and private client marketplaces. During this time the Firm has grown by 41% and strategic plans for the future will see continued growth and expansion.

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