Rick Howlett

Rick (Non Solicitor) joined Vanderpump & Sykes in 2019 and brings with him experience of a 40 year legal career in finance, IT and practice management, he is part of our senior leadership team, Partnership Secretary and has a key role in the Practice, he is responsible for overseeing the Accounts and Administration Departments, including HR, IT, Marketing and Compliance. 

Rick has extensive experience in financial and practice management, planning, budgeting and business development. He studied advanced business management and accountancy and furthered studied for and achieved a Fellowship in The Institute of Legal Accounts Mangers. Rick has enjoyed a successful career in leadership positions working for prominent London Law firms including Stephenson Harwood and media practice Stephens Innocent. He takes a hands-on approach and advises the Partnership on commercial strategies, financial planning and has a track record of success in driving business growth. Having a keen interest in computer programming he developed the first Law Society approved legal aid franchise software.

Rick sits on a number of committees, he is the former Chair and Vice Chair of  The Institute of Legal Finance and Management (ILFM) and is currently an Executive Committee member, the ILFM provides qualifications, training, knowledge, support and information for anyone working in legal finance and legal practice management. 

He guided the Practice through COVID-19 and was subsequently offered the position of Partner taking up the role in November 2021.