Jon Else

Bill Betts, Dan Thompson and I founded Hayes Connor in June 2018 when we created the UK’s first specialist data breach law firm.

My role at Hayes Connor is very wide ranging and covers every aspect of our business.

I work closely with our Legal Directors, Christine and Richard on the operational and client service side of Hayes Connor. We have a fantastic team of people here and the ongoing development of the team is very important to me. Some of the Trustpilot feedback we receive is outstanding.

I manage the relationships with our external stakeholders such as our funders and our advisors. I also head up the marketing and business development functions of the firm and I am currently building links with other law firms who are engaged in this area of the law.

I am responsible for the finance function of Hayes Connor and am supported by a great team in Gareth, Mitch and Aimee.

Career

I am an accountant by training but I studied Law at the University of Liverpool before I joined PwC and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Before entering the legal profession, I spent 9 years working for a specialist Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) practice, with the last 12 months as a Partner.

During my time in M&A, I provided strategic advice to a diverse range of businesses on Management Buy Outs, acquisitions, company sales and fundraising projects.

My clients included several North-West based law firms, including Bill and Dan who I worked with in 2007 when they acquired our associated law firm, Forster Dean from its founder. Then in 2011 I joined the Management Team at Forster Dean.

Data protection is an evolving area of the law and is currently developing at a fast pace. I enjoy the ongoing challenge of growing our business against this backdrop and seeing how we all develop individually and as a team.

Personal Interests

I am married with two young children and a dog called Piper. When not in work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking the dog and ferrying the kids to their various clubs.

I have always played sport and being active is a vital part of my physical and mental wellbeing. I aim to get out running or cycling several times a week and am currently training for a marathon.

I absolutely love snowboarding and after a Covid-19 enforced absence I can’t wait for my next trip.

I still play the occasional game of football but these days I am more likely to be found on the touchline watching my son play on a Saturday morning or my daughter running around with the Atrincham FC Wildcats on a Wednesday night.

I am also big fan of live music, good food and a cold beer.