Independently ranked as one of the “most dynamic figures in the North West market,” Ian Austin is a prominent player in the region. He grew up in Cheshire and has remained firmly rooted in the North West throughout his career – from completing his law degree at Chester Law School to guiding Halliwells through a series of bold initiatives that saw it become Manchester’s largest law firm. In 2004, at 42, Ian was elected managing partner and he immediately began delivering his vision of the firm, completing a comprehensive rebrand of Halliwell Landau to Halliwells LLP that same year. He also established a foothold in Liverpool through the successful merger with Cuff Roberts, followed in 2006 by joining forces with James Chapman & Co which boosted Halliwells to becoming the region’s largest law firm. Ian’s achievements and efforts didn’t go unnoticed and perhaps one of his career highlights to date was being awarded Management Partner of the Year at the 2006 Legal Business Awards. The judges described him as having “an astute hiring and merger policy and an infectious enthusiasm”. In December 2007 he welcomed the entire Manchester workforce to the impressive new Spinningfields district when Halliwells relocated to 3 Hardman Square. With Ian’s guidance Halliwells has adopted a modern corporate structure and maps out innovative career paths for its staff. Strong leadership, business focus, open communications and sound financial management are his trademarks but his achievements go far beyond the realm of business. He sits on the development committee of The Prince’s Trust and has championed a number of fundraising campaigns – so far raising £450,000 for The Prince’s Trust, Claire House Children’s Hospice and the Cavendish Centre. He was also behind the decision to sponsor two of the most exciting young athletes in the UK; Francesca Halsall and Shelly Woods. This support enabled them fly the flag for Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and both are currently busy preparing for London 2012. After recently taking up the position of Executive Chairman, Ian is responsible for running the main board and focuses his efforts on the firm’s commercial objectives and strategy. For more than five years he has guided Halliwells through a period of accelerated growth and remains committed to its success and long term future. Ian enjoys strong links with the Manchester business community and regularly speaks at conferences and events. He also comments regularly in the regional, national and trade media on business trends, leadership and the economy. Ian Austin lives with his wife and children in Ormskirk.
So it is interesting to see that a new, more toned-down version of Mr Austin's biography has since been posted to the website:
Ian Austin - partner, Heatons. Ian Austin is one of the region's leading lawyers having practiced in Manchester for over 20 years. He has specialised in commercial litigation throughout this period and acts for a wide range of companies, institutions and individuals. Ian has extensive experience in dealing with high value claims and, where appropriate, uses alternative forms of dispute resolution (including mediation) to resolve disputes. He enjoys strong links with the Manchester business community and regularly speaks at conferences and events. He is also a keen supporter of The Prince's Trust and has been closely involved in helping to support the trust and fundraising. Ian lives with his wife and children in Mawdesley, Lancashire.
Eh? No mention of Halliwells? Awards? Leadership? Economics? What on earth could have changed between then and now that would prompt such a toned-down biography?
One can but wonder.
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