Top national law firm hires regulatory law expert to lead premier department

Cartwright King Solicitors appointed regulatory expert, Wesley Thompson, to head up the national department, following a six-year stint as a Risk Manager at Pinsent Masons.

With more than 15 years’ experience providing regulatory and financial support in the professional practices sector, Mr Thompson held a senior member title at the SRA before moving into private practice.

Speaking to his July appointment, Mr Thompson shared his excitement to apply his extensive expertise in regulatory law, policy, and firm authorisation as he takes on the leading department role.

Mr Thompson continued: “I am thrilled to be joining Cartwright King to head up the Regulatory Department, and I am ready to channel my expertise into creating a forward-thinking, solutions-driven department.

“Throughout the past eight years I have worked extensively with a wide number of regulators and regulated practices to provide regulatory guidance and support, across a range of subjects.

“My in depth understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules, SRA Practicing Regulations and the Legal Services Act, spans to a number of regulators, and enables me to effectively lead a top UK Regulatory Department.”

As a leading contact in the private equity and insolvency sector for law firm restructuring, Mr Thompson is a specialist in assisting firms and proposed owners of the processes involved in regulatory restructuring.

Mr Thompson was an instrumental member of the Solicitor Manager team on the regulatory wind down and safe transfer of all client files and money on King Wood & Mallesons in 2017.

As the UK's largest law firm administration, the team took on the complicated task on exploring the best path forward to achieving the best possible return for the creditor.

More recently, Mr Thompson provided regulatory guidance and support to Waterland Private Equity on the acquisition and change of ownership of Beyond Law Group Limited, Beyond Conveyancing Limited, Beyond Corporate Limited and McAlister Family Law 2024.

This impressive history bolsters his resume, which includes successfully gaining ABS licences for many of the UKs largest regulated firms, including numerous listed firms and private equity structures.

Mr Thompson added: “I look forward to fostering innovation and setting new benchmarks for regulatory compliance and firm authorisation within the legal industry.

"It’s an honour to take on this role, and I’m committed to ensuring our department is a trusted leader in regulatory matters, helping clients tackle their most complex challenges."

CEO of Cartwright King Abdul Hussain added his thoughts: “We are delighted to welcome Wesley Thompson to the firm as head of our National Regulatory Department. His extensive experience and proven track record in regulatory compliance and firm authorisation make him the perfect fit for this vital role.”

“Wesley’s appointment signals our commitment to providing clients with industry-leading advice and solutions.”

He added: “We are confident that under his leadership, our Regulatory Department will continue to grow and excel in addressing the evolving needs of our clients.”