Judy Matthews is the Managing Director of Rock Management Services. Judy originally studied Law & Administration before choosing a career in project management. Her experience includes preparing London’s transport infrastructure for the 2012 Olympics and project management in building constructions.
Judy joined Reeds Solicitors in 2009, which at the time was a small local Legal Aid Criminal firm with a single office in Oxford. Over the following 15 years as Practice Manager Judy was instrumental in the growth and development of the firm into one of the largest providers of Criminal Law services in England and Wales, as well as providing services in Prison Law, Family, Court of Protection and Mental Health.
In 2019 Rock Management Services (Rock MS) was created by moving the administrative team led by Judy within Reeds into its own company. Now as Managing Director, Judy and her team have developed Rock MS into a business that has taken the experience developed through the administrative management of Reeds and offers it to other businesses, predominantly, but not exclusively, within the legal market. Rock MS now provides the full spectrum of administrative services to its clients, from compliance, Lexcel Standard, ICT, HR, Accounts, management and administration, mergers and acquisitions, to external COLP, COFA and DPO provision.
In 2024 Rock MS launched its own Case Management Software, Bedrock. Built from the ground up with input and feedback from the Rock MS team and their clients, Bedrock is designed to not only make the day-to-day working life of its users easier, but also to provide efficiencies in every aspect of practice management.
Judy’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in the development of both Reeds Solicitors and Rock MS into the businesses that they are today. As Practice Manager, Judy was responsible for Reeds’ development into a firm that continues to be consistently at the bleeding edge of the digital revolution within the legal profession; now as Managing Director of Rock MS, she provides the same innovative solutions for her clients.
Judy strongly believes that one of the most important aspects in running a successful business is looking after the people in the organisation. Knowing her people, identifying their strengths, and celebrating their successes lies at the heart of her leadership. Through example, Judy has created a culture within Rock MS where people are respected, understood, looked after and provided opportunities to grow and develop. Staff are encouraged to look after their physical and mental health, to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and are empowered and trusted. The result is a company that retains the very best individuals in their field and provides the highest level of service for its clients.