Carl Newton
Chair of the Board, championing governance, growth and employee ownership.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
UK Employee Ownership Awards
Biography
Carl is the Chair of the Board at Myerson Solicitors.
Carl joined Myerson in 1995 as a Corporate lawyer after training at Addleshaw Goddard and graduating with a first-class honours degree in Law from Lancaster University. He became a Partner in 1999 before leading the firm's Corporate and Commercial team, and in 2005 was appointed Chief Executive.
Over a 21-year tenure as Chief Executive, Carl transformed Myerson into one of the UK's leading independent law firms. Under his leadership, the firm grew organically from a £2 million practice to a Top 200 UK law firm with annual revenues exceeding £19 million, while earning a national reputation for its legal expertise, strong culture and outstanding client service.
Carl has consistently championed a people-first approach to leadership, believing that sustainable success is built on trust, collaboration and long-term thinking. His focus on empowering people, investing in culture and embracing innovation has shaped Myerson's entrepreneurial spirit and distinctive identity. He also introduced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), strengthening accountability, transparency and collaboration across the firm.
One of Carl's defining achievements was leading Myerson's transition to becoming Manchester's first 100% employee-owned law firm in 2024. The move reflected his long-held commitment to independence, shared success and sustainable growth, ensuring the firm's future would remain in the hands of its people and preserving its unique culture for generations to come.
As Chair of the Board, Carl is responsible for overseeing the firm's governance, safeguarding the purpose and integrity of Myerson's Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), and supporting the Board and executive leadership team in delivering the firm's long-term strategy.
Carl has been recognised nationally for his leadership and contribution to the legal profession, including being named in The Lawyer Hot 100 2025 for shaping the employee ownership landscape. He also previously acted as vice-chair and later as chair of the association of UK200Group, guiding the network of independent professional service firms of UK200Group.
Throughout his career, Carl has remained committed to building lasting client relationships, developing exceptional talent and ensuring Myerson continues to thrive as an independent, employee-owned business with a clear long-term vision.
Areas of focus
Client Feedback
Declan Swan - Chief Executive Officer, UK 200
Carl has been instrumental in bringing together law firms within the UK 200 group, whilst demonstrating great leadership and collaboration with those firms. His knowledge within the industry is second to none, and he openly shares his experiences with other UK 200 firms, which is greatly appreciated by the law firms. He is an asset to the UK 200 group, and with his leadership and support, we have been able to grow the group successfully.
Awards & Rankings
UK Employee Ownership Awards — Transition of the Year
2025
The Lawyer — Hot 100
2025
The Lawyer Awards — "The Independents" - Highly Commended
2025
The Times Best Law Firms — Best Law Firms
2023
The Times — Best Law Firms
2019Insights & Media
Myerson Appoints Richard Lloyd as Chief Executive as Carl Newton Becomes Chair of the Board
Myerson Solicitors has appointed Richard Lloyd as Chief Executive, with current CEO Carl Newton becoming non-executive Chair of the Board. The appointments mark the next stage in the evolution of Manchester's first 100% employee-owned law firm. Richard takes up the role on 1st September 2026 after 26 years with Myerson. Having led the firm's...
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Myerson CEO Carl Newton Marks 30 Years at the Firm
At Myerson, we're proud to celebrate that our CEO, Carl Newton , is marking 30 years at the firm, including 20 years in a leadership role - a rare tenure in the legal sector. Carl joined Myerson in August 1995 as a Corporate lawyer, having studied law at Lancaster University. Over three decades, he has played a central role in shaping the firm’s...
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Myerson CEO Carl Newton Joins “Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit” Podcast
Our CEO, Carl Newton, recently appeared as a guest on Altrincham Talks: The Business Edit – a podcast produced by Visit Altrincham that shines a spotlight on local business leaders and their journeys. In Episode 6, Carl discusses his inspiring progression from newly qualified solicitor to Chief Executive of one of the region’s leading law...
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Myerson’s CEO Carl Newton Recognised in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 List
We are proud to announce that Carl Newton , CEO of Myerson Solicitors , has been named in The Lawyer’s prestigious Hot 100 list for 2025 . The annual list begins with nominations, from which The Lawyer selects the most innovative and influential individuals shaping the legal profession today. Carl has been particularly recognised for his...
Read NewsThe Lawyer Hot 100 for 2025:
"Carl Newton is shaping the landscape of employee ownership. As CEO of Myerson Solicitors, he led the firm through its transition to become Manchester’s first employee-owned law firm in 2024 — a huge move that consumed much of his year. The impact is already evident: Myerson is now advising businesses and other law firms such as Progression Solicitors and Home Legal Direct on similar transitions, solidifying its position as a leading name in employee ownership conversions across the North West.
Beyond this shift, Newton has kept his sights firmly on growth. Under his leadership, Myerson has achieved double-digit revenue increases for four consecutive years, or 84 per cent, from £9.5m in 2019/20 to £17.5m in 2023/24. The plan for the year ahead aim is to break the £20m barrier, fuelled by an expanded corporate offering and strategic hires in areas like commercial property.
But Newton’s leadership extends beyond Myerson. As chair of the UK200 Group, he has spent the past two years steering a network of top law and accountancy firms, welcoming new members such as Paris Smith and guiding the organisation to its 40th anniversary.
There are also plans to deliver the firm’s first tax-free employee bonuses and cement its position as the North West’s leader in employee ownership work. Newton’s approach to leadership ensures that milestones — and the opportunities they create — continue to define his tenure."
Meet Myerson's Senior Leadership Team
Jordanna Reynolds
Jordanna is our People Director and Head of our People and Culture Team