Barker Brettell, the Birmingham-headquartered intellectual property (IP) specialist, has announced that Yvonne Johnson has been elected as the firm’s new managing partner.
Yvonne joined Barker Brettell in 2001 whilst training to become a UK and European patent attorney and qualified in 2004. She quickly displayed considerable talent in oppositions and appeals, and her career rapidly progressed as her reputation grew. A partner since 2008 and member of the firm’s partnership board since 2015, in 2019 Yvonne took the lead when the firm set up an office in Stockholm and has been instrumental in the success of Barker Brettell Sweden AB.
Yvonne succeeds Andy Tranter who became managing partner in 2018, and Yvonne and Andy will collaborate closely over the coming months to ensure a smooth succession.
“Thank you to Andy who has been influential in steering the firm over the past six years, particularly during the pandemic, and many congratulations to Yvonne,” said John Lawrence, senior partner at Barker Brettell. “Yvonne has all the qualities to be an excellent leader and has a strong track record of success. The energy, determination and adaptability Yvonne brings to the role will drive forward the firm’s strategy, performance and culture. With Yvonne as managing partner, I’m excited about the next chapter for Barker Brettell and I know Yvonne shares my enthusiasm for providing excellent client care and keeping this as a key focus of all we do.”
Yvonne has established a reputation throughout her career as the go-to person for contentious matters, in particular showing prowess in developing effective strategies, being agile in adapting to changing circumstances throughout the opposition and appeal procedures, and communicating effectively and persuasively during in-person and video conference hearings. Yvonne has also headed up the firm’s Stockholm branch from its inception, leading the successful growth of Barker Brettell Sweden AB, with 2023/24 seeing record turnover and a move to new premises for the continuing expansion of the team.
Speaking on her appointment to managing partner Yvonne Johnson said: “I’m delighted to be taking over as managing partner, building on the firm’s strong platform created under Andy’s leadership and using it as a springboard for future success. My ambition is to ensure we flourish as a thriving and modern business and deliver real competitive advantage for our clients. I am passionate about investing in our people, and ensuring we have a work environment where everyone can contribute and feel part of our success.”
Yvonne added: “I hope that I can act as a role model for others and that my election to this leadership position will inspire others to believe they can achieve their potential, based on their abilities and hard work, and that we can achieve equal and inclusive representation in the workplace.”
Barker Brettell provides intellectual property advice to businesses, organisations and individuals across the world. With 60 specialist patent, trade mark, design and copyright attorneys, the firm offers a full range of IP related services from the strategic management of global patent and trade mark portfolios to advising inventors on how to best protect their ideas and products.
