Jeanette Wheeler

Jeanette Wheeler is a Partner at Birketts LLP and Head of the firm’s Corporate Services Division, overseeing seven key Practice Groups including Corporate, Commercial and Technology, Banking, Employment, Charities, Tax, and Immigration.

She plays a pivotal role in the firm’s leadership, sitting on the Management Board, Executive Committee, and Remuneration Committee. Jeanette is known for her strategic insight and collaborative approach, helping to shape the firm’s direction and drive innovation across its legal services.

Since joining Birketts in 2007, Jeanette has played a role in the firm’s remarkable growth, from a headcount of 200 to over 1300 people across seven offices in the South of England and London, with a turnover approaching £120 million in 2024/25. Her leadership has helped expand the firm’s reach and capabilities nationally while maintaining a strong focus on client service and legal excellence.

Originally trained as an employment lawyer, Jeanette has extensive experience in complex restructuring, redundancy programmes, sensitive grievance and disciplinary matters,and senior executive exits. She became a Partner at Eversheds in 2005 before joining Birketts to lead and grow its Employment team. Under her leadership, the team expanded from four to over forty lawyers and support staff, adding specialist services such as immigration, investigations, share incentives, workplace training (Shaping Excellence), and HR consultancy. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Legal 500 award for Best HR Legal Team outside London (2020), a place in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame (2024), and a Band 1 ranking in Chambers.

Jeanette also played a key role in establishing Birketts’ South East office in Sevenoaks, contributing to its success and helping secure the Gatwick Diamond Business Award for Professional Services Firm of the Year in 2024. Beyond her firm responsibilities, she has held several external leadership roles, including Chair of the Norwich Business Women’s Network, President of the Norfolk Law Society, and Deputy Chair of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. She also served for six years on the University of East Anglia’s Council and Remuneration Committee and is a regular speaker and media commentator on legal and business issue.

Experience & education

University of East Anglia

College of Law