Frances Coulson takes R3 presidency

A FEMALE LAWYER has taken the helm at insolvency trade body R3 as president.

Frances Coulson, a partner and head of business recovery at law firm Moon Beever, has today been named president of the trade body.

"I am delighted to be taking over as president at a time when the profession is involved in debating the future make up of the industry.

"Practitioners have a duty to recover the most they can for creditors. They need to be allowed to fulfill that role without unnecessary red tape and with public confidence in their commercial and technical skills"

During her year as president Coulson will have to deal with two ongoing consultations that could change the profession, including the introduction of an independent complaints commission, and prolonging the rapid turnaround insolvency process pre-pack.

Coulson, who has been an active member of R3 for 15 years, was previously chair of the Smaller Practice Group which provides technical support for small to medium size insolvency practices.

She takes over from Steven Law who will remain on R3's council.

Lee Manning, Deloitte partner, was named deputy president and is due to succeed Coulson next year.

Manning has worked on several high profile insolvencies, including Land of Leather and Oddbins.