David Standard has joined Thompsons, which employs 800 people across the UK, as Head of Marketing and Communications – bringing with him an impressive portfolio of experience and success in the professional services sector, including delivering high-profile campaigns and significant achievements in legal marketing.

A man wearing glasses and smiling
David Standard, head of marketing and communications

Before joining Thompsons, Standard held the Director of Marketing and Business Development position at Leigh Day. Over his career, which began in 1995 at Dibb Lupton Broomhead (now DLA Piper), he has also served as Head of Communications at Irwin Mitchell and Director of Marketing at Eversheds.

Standard earned the prestigious Law Society Excellence in Marketing Award in 2003 for his work at Eversheds. 

 

He has played a vital role in the past decade's most important legal stories and campaigns, such as the vehicle emissions scandal, Shell's pay-out to over 30,000 Nigerian fishermen over two major oil spills, and the fight for correct food labelling for people with allergies.

This pivotal appointment comes as Thompsons Solicitors expands its reach across its numerous offices supporting the public and the trade union movement, currently experiencing a historic peak in popularity.

Standard will replace Tom Jones, who will retire as Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the end of April after 34 years of service to the firm.

Chief Executive of Thompsons, Clare Mellor, expressed enthusiasm for Standard's appointment, stating: "We are delighted to have David joining our team at such an exciting time for the firm. With renewed energy in the fight for workers' rights against a government focused solely on corporate interests, David's proven ability to build marketing strategies centred on client care and access to justice will be invaluable."

David Standard shared his excitement for the opportunity, saying: "I am honoured to join a prestigious firm like Thompsons. As the son of a prominent union activist, I am passionate about fighting for social justice and protecting individuals against injustice by government and corporate interests. I am eager to continue the legacy of my predecessor Tom Jones, who has established a strong foundation for this law firm’s commitment to social justice for another century.”