Executive search specialists, tml Partners, are proud to have partnered with Lawfront to appoint their first CMO

Lawfront is a dynamic, UK-based consolidator of regional law firms, with a mission to build the country’s leading national law group. Founded in 2021 and backed by private equity firm Blixt Group, Lawfront partners with established legal practices—such as Farleys, Fisher Jones Greenwood, Nelsons, and Slater Heelis—to provide centralised infrastructure and commercial expertise, while preserving each firm’s local identity and heritage.

With a strong leadership team and a clear growth mandate, Lawfront represents a transformational opportunity for legal professionals and business leaders alike.

The Challenge

As Lawfront accelerated its growth journey, the executive team identified a strategic gap at the leadership table: the absence of a centralised marketing and business development function. The appointment of a Chief Marketing Officer would mark a significant evolution in the group’s commercial capability, bringing a unified approach to brand development, client engagement, and go-to-market strategy across the portfolio.

The role demanded more than marketing expertise. The incoming leader would be responsible for embedding scalable marketing operations in a fast-paced, acquisition-focused environment while navigating the cultural complexity of a multi-brand structure. The board required a commercial leader who could operate comfortably within a private equity framework, deliver demonstrable ROI, and balance strategic influence with hands-on execution.

Importantly, the CMO needed the credibility to engage with senior stakeholders across regional law firms, understanding their legacy, respecting their autonomy, and guiding them towards a more integrated national identity.

The Solution

Lawfront engaged tml Partners on a retained basis to lead the search for this pivotal appointment. Selina Cowell, Manager, and David Price, Partner, were selected to deliver the assignment, bringing deep expertise in placing senior marketing leaders across professional services and private equity-backed environments.

Selina and David worked in close partnership with Peter Murphy, Talent Lead at Lawfront, to build a detailed understanding of the organisation’s operating model, its growth trajectory, and the leadership qualities required to succeed in this newly created role. The search was targeted, consultative, and rooted in commercial insight.

A national market mapping exercise was undertaken, with particular focus on candidates with experience in leading marketing functions within legal, consulting, or PE-backed environments. The team sought individuals who had successfully navigated multi-brand leadership, implemented central marketing infrastructure, and delivered marketing transformation programmes in complex organisations.

Throughout the process, tml Partners maintained a high-touch, advisory relationship with both the client and candidates, ensuring clarity of expectations, cultural fit, and strategic alignment at every stage.

The Result

Lawfront appointed a commercially astute, sector-savvy Chief Marketing Officer with the leadership credentials and strategic vision to spearhead their next phase of growth.

The appointed CMO is now:

• Leading the development and rollout of a unified marketing and BD function across the Lawfront Group

• Driving digital-first client acquisition and experience strategies to support commercial growth

• Enabling successful brand harmonisation and marketing integration across acquired firms

• Enhancing visibility for Lawfront as a national legal group while empowering regional teams to thrive

This key hire represents a step-change in Lawfront’s ability to scale its marketing operations, deepen client relationships, and elevate its profile across the UK legal market.

Client Testimonial

“I engaged and partnered with Selina at tml Partners– and I’m pleased to say she overdelivered; on both quality and timescales. She understood our needs quickly, approached the assignment with a strong professional tenacity, and came up with creative solutions for what was likely going to be a difficult hire.

Her service levels and communication were excellent throughout, as has been her problem-solving ability – she’s really given the impression that nothing is too much of a problem for her to assist with.

I’d definitely work with Selina again and recommend her to any employer looking to engage her services.”
– Peter Murphy, Talent Lead, Lawfront

About tml Partners: Specialist Headhunters for Commercial Roles

tml Partners are specialists in Executive Search with access to a global network of commercial, marketing, communications, brand, product and digital leaders. Our team work with businesses ranging from fast-growth challenger brands to blue-chip organisations to develop their in-house teams.

As one of the world’s leading commercial and marketing recruitment agencies, we can support whether you’re seeking interim or permanent solutions. Our team has the expertise to support across various sectors and locations.

To learn how tml Partners can help you, get in touch.