LAW CONSULTANCY NETWORK - Key Persons


Andrew Otterburn

Job Titles:
  • Founding Member
Andrew Otterburn is a founding member of the Law Consultancy Network and former leading law firm management consultant who has advised around 250 firms of solicitors and barristers chambers in the UK and Ireland. He has undertaken extensive consultancy work for the Law Society of England & Wales, the Legal Services Commission and the Ministry of Justice. The 3rd edition of his book Profitability and Law Firm Management was published by the Law Society in 2016. He is a former vice chair of the Executive Committee of the Law Management Section. Andrew has an in-depth understanding of the issues facing law firms: ‘Andrew has a depth of knowledge about the pressures facing the owners of solicitors practices today and a wide experience of how different firms are tackling these issues. His real strength however is the clarity he brings to the planning and decision making process which allied with his energy and enthusiasm helped generate a real sense of purpose and unity amongst our partners.' Andrew no longer offers support as a management consultant to firms but supports colleagues within the Law Consultancy Network as an alumni member.

Michelle Howard

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder of the Next Gen Partner Alliance
  • Leadership Specialist
With a strong background in Legal 500 law firms and professional sector organisations, Michelle is a leadership specialist and Chartered Marketer with over 30 years of award-winning experience. As a sought-after keynote speaker, consultant, coach, mentor, and trainer, she empowers leaders, partners, and employees to thrive in fast-paced environments. Michelle is particularly known for delivering leadership training, management away days, facilitation, and business skills training for managing partners, new lawyers and senior associates. She excels at designing and leading bespoke workshops, masterclasses, and partner retreats, bringing innovation and fresh thinking to the legal and professional services sector. To date, she has supported more than 2,000 individuals to achieve their goals in leadership, management, and marketing development through impactful training, facilitation, and speaking engagements. As co-founder of the Next Gen Partner Alliance, Michelle has created a thriving learning network for newly promoted partners and ambitious senior associates who want to strengthen their leadership, business, and client relationship skills. Her transformative approach helps firms unlock the potential of their people, foster new ideas, and build a solid foundation for growth. Committed to inclusive and diverse leadership practices, Michelle was recognised in 2024 as an Agent of Change by the globally acclaimed She Inspires Awards and is a finalist in 2025 for the Women in Business: One Woman Powerhouse Award. Her track record includes national recognition for best practices and multiple award-winning partnerships throughout her career.

Vicky Ling

Job Titles:
  • Quality Professional and a Law Society Lexcel Consultant
Vicky Ling is a Chartered Quality Professional and a Law Society Lexcel Consultant. She has worked in the voluntary sector, for local government and the Legal Aid Board. She has advised hundreds of firms of solicitors and many not-for-profit agencies providing legal advice. Her areas of expertise include all aspects of winning and maintaining legal aid contracts. She has in-depth knowledge of contract appeals, costs compliance and contract awards. Vicky served two terms as a member of the Civil Justice Council, and took a particular interest in access to justice issues and support for unrepresented litigants.