A solicitor has been named as the first female managing partner of the firm where she completed her training contract just 12 years ago.

Claire Currie has taken over the running of Kirwans law firm after David Kirwan stood down following 37 years in the role in order to focus on his client work and other professional duties.

The legal expert joined Kirwans in 2006 after an earlier career in the science industry, and qualified as a solicitor in 2008.

She went on to become partner, head up the Private Client and Family departments, and start networking group Mums in Business before being appointed Managing Partner.

Claire, a single mum-of-two, who is based at the firm’s Moreton office, said: “I am delighted to follow in the footsteps of David Kirwan in leading such a long-established and well-loved firm and look forward to taking the firm from strength to strength in the coming years.

“In an industry where it has historically been difficult for women to rise through the ranks, hopefully my appointment will inspire even more girls to believe that it is possible to make your mark as not only a woman, but also a mum, in law.

“I look forward to building on all that has been achieved by Mr Kirwan over the years and to seeing Kirwans continue to evolve as it supports the Merseyside community with all of its legal needs.”

Claire's appointment is a further boost to the legal sector, which has been battling to improve the disparity between the number of male and female equity partners.

Figures show that in 2017-2018, more than two-thirds of entrants to law school were women, yet data from the Solicitors Regulation Authority revealed that in the same year just 33 per cent of partners in law firms were female – a figure that dropped to just 29 per cent in the largest law firms with more than 50 partners.

David Kirwan said:

“Claire’s talent and passion have stood out since she joined the firm 14 years ago, and her incredible knowledge and understanding of both the law and business means she is perfectly positioned to take over the reins as Managing Partner.

“I have every confidence that, under her tenure, the firm will thrive, and look forward to seeing both Claire and Kirwans excel as she goes forward in her new role.”

Claire will now spend more time concentrating on the development and growth of the business as the profession continues to undergo dramatic change.