The woman who redefined the law

The founder of Acumen Law did not just break the glass ceiling; she dismantled the entire building.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of resilience, but few stories embody that spirit quite like Penina Shepherd’s. The founder of Acumen Law did not just break the glass ceiling; she dismantled the entire building and rebuilt it with a focus on transparency, innovation, and happiness. Today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, a trustee of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and a mother of three. But to understand the magnitude of her success, you have to look back to the moment it nearly never happened.

The Impossible Foundation

Most entrepreneurs wait for a green light from the economy before they launch. In September 2007, the light was a flashing red. The global economy was sliding into the worst recession.

“I was with a nine-year-old and a six-year-old, having just returned from maternity leave after the birth of my third child. My family depended on my income and, as if that weren’t enough, the worst recession had just hit the economy and I did not have a single client to my name.” Then, Penina recalls, came the most devastating news of all “I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer and was told I was unlikely to survive.”

What followed would have broken most people.

“I was faced with a choice: retreat or revolutionise. I chose the latter”

What Penina lacked in budget, she clearly made up for with an abundance of passion for making a difference.

The Expertise Behind the Vision

While the birth of the firm was unconventional, it was built on a formidable professional foundation. Penina has been in the legal profession since 1996, having previously worked for top 100 UK Law Firms as both a Partner and Head of Department.

Penina is a Commercial lawyer advising on commercial contracts, company documentation, Intellectual Property and Data and Compliance matters. She is also a recognised regional expert on Shares, Incentives and Benefits Schemes, advising on both HMRC Approved and Unapproved schemes.

Her commitment to the community extends beyond the office; she served as the honorary solicitor and sits on the board of several local nonprofit organisations, most recently Penina joined as a trustee of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

“I was with a nine-year-old and a six-year-old, having just returned from maternity leave after the birth of my third child. My family depended on my income and, as if that weren’t enough, the worst recession had just hit the economy, and I did not have a single client to my name.” Then, Penina recalls, came the most devastating news of all “I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer and was told I was unlikely to survive.”

The Evolution of a Vision

The legal industry is historically famous for its ivory tower mentality, but Penina held a vision for a firm that was democratically run, innovative, and unpretentious. Moving away from traditional and rigid structures; Acumen focus on providing top notch support from a team of lawyers who speak the language of business and private individuals.

This approach proved remarkably successful, with the Financial Times listing Acumen Law as a top 50 groundbreaking law firm in the UK and Europe.

True to her entrepreneurial spirit, in 2017 Penina expanded this culture into the private client sector, specialising in Family Law, Wills, Probate and Residential Conveyancing. This unification ensures that whether a client is seeking business advice or personal legal support, they receive the same experience. The firm is there to support themselves, their family or their business. 

Unstoppable

Her journey and philosophy are captured in her book, The Freedom Revolution. In its pages, she shares the tools to help others escape the rat race, overcome fear, and be truly remarkable.

“The book is about finding the courage to be free,” she explains. Her transition from a hospital bed to the head of a groundbreaking law firm is proof that when you love what you do, you become unstoppable.

What Drives Penina?

Behind the accolades is a woman driven by a simple set of values. When asked what she loves, Penina’s list is clear: “Doing Happy, my family, the sun, and changing lives through meaningful experiences.”  At the heart of it all is Acumen, the living proof of her vision.

As we look toward the future, Penina Shepherd remains a beacon of what is possible when you refuse to accept the status quo. We continue to lead the way, not by following the already paved way, but by writing our own!

One of Penina’s strongest advice to anyone leading in business:

“True leadership requires the courage to silence the noise, because feedback is often just a reflection of someone else’s fears, not your potential. Listen selectively and trust your vision fully.”

 

Acumen Law Announces new Partners!

From placement students to partners: Ben Rose and James Sheath rise through the ranks at Acumen Law.

A career journey that reflects dedication, growth and a commitment to developing talent from within.

For this award winning and dynamic firm, investment starts with the people who walk through the door every morning. By providing a space where everyone is given space to express their views, without the constraints of traditional hierarchy. The firm provides the freedom and authority for individuals to innovate, create, and truly leave their mark and, in doing so, they have created a company of a different kind.     

Everything about Acumen is designed to stand out. Their iconic zebra branding is a deliberate choice that marks them as “lawyers of a different kind.” As Penina Shepherd, the firm’s Founder & CEO explains:
“The zebra is a head turner among the brown and grey of the savannah, and we like to think we stand out in the legal world in much the same way.”

The firm has moved away from the rigid, stuffy structures of the past to create a democratically run environment. At Acumen, culture comes before hierarchy. “We don’t do corporate announcements,” Penina says. “Everyone sits around the table, whether you are a placement student or a senior lawyer. Everyone’s part of the conversation.”

“People want to grow, but they also want to belong,” Alvin Ittoo notes. “We create space for both.” When a business gives its people the keys to the building, they not only help strengthen the foundation, but they also help to & build the next floor up.

The Journey: From Placement to Partner

The greatest proof of this “people first” philosophy is the opportunity for individuals to grow within the firm. 

Two of the firm’s Partners, Daniel Richards and Alvin Ittoo, began their journeys as placement university student and paralegal respectively and, through their talent and the firm’s commitment to their growth, they now stand as equity partners.

Following in their footsteps are Ben Rose and James Sheath.

Like those before them, Ben and James started as placement students. In a move that celebrates this commitment to internal talent, Acumen is honoured to publicly announce for the first time that Ben and James are set to become Acumen Law Partners this April 2026.

“People want to grow, but they also want to belong,” Alvin Ittoo notes. “We create space for both.” When a business gives its people the keys to the building, they not only help strengthen the foundation, but they also help to & build the next floor up.

“Let me be clear” Penina points out “none of our achievements would have been possible without these great people.”

“I genuinely believe” Daniel Richards adds, “that just like a rocket shedding its boosters as it rises, not everyone is built for your next altitude. But those who are, will be the ones you reach the next level with.”

New Partners’ outlook to the future

In 2007 Acumen Law broke the mould in the legal industry. In 2026, they are shaping its future!

Ben and James bring a fresh generational perspective alongside advanced AI capabilities, enabling a delivery of legal advice that is more precise, efficient and proactive.

Together, they are launching the next chapter in legal innovation, working hand-in-hand with businesses and their AI.

With fresh ideas, deep experience and intelligent technology, Acumen are building a law firm designed for the challenges of modern business.

Investing in the Client:

By investing in the team, the firm is inherently investing in its clients. A team that is happy, empowered, and free from corporate red tape is a team that provides truly personal and approachable support. They speak the language of business and handle personal legal matters with the same innovative spirit. At Acumen you deal directly with your lawyer, on a personal level.

This approachable nature extends to the digital world. Many know Penina as Little Miss Legal on TikTok, where she breaks down complex law myths and offers one minute wisdom. “You’re not trying to teach everything in 60 seconds,” she explains. “But you are giving helicopter view for complex legal matters as well as showing people you’re here to help.” This ensures the firm remains as relevant on a smartphone screen as it is in a commercial negotiation.

The Human Legacy

The Acumen model is a blueprint for the future of the legal profession. In an industry that often prioritises process over personhood, Acumen has proven that the heart of any business is the human spirit. By building a firm on a foundation of trust, happiness, and authentic connection, they have created more than just a legal practice. They created a community where everyone has a seat at the table and a stake in the future and everyone is very excited for the future with these two new partners on board!   

 

Sixteen years of breaking the mould

When 300 decision makers gather in the same room, you know it’s the right room to be in!

Join the local business community this May for a day of ‘Acumen magic’, featuring top inspirational speakers, live entertainment, networking and opportunities to make meaningful business connections.

For many, a business conference is a predictable affair of death by PowerPoint and rehearsed pitches. But for those in the Sussex business community, the Acumen Business Convention is something else entirely.

Now in its sixteenth year, this landmark event has become a cornerstone of the annual calendar, bringing together up to 300 local CEOs, founders and decision makers for a day that prioritises meaningful connection over corporate monotony.

A Business Convention Where Acumen Magic Comes to Life.

The Convention is a testament to the firm’s spirit where every detail is meticulously planned by the team themselves, infused with their signature sense of fun and originality.

“The Convention is very close to my heart,” Penina points out. “It’s a huge undertaking, organised totally in house and it supports a different local charity every year.”

This year, they are proud to support The Starr Trust. This incredible charity helps young people in the local area to fulfil their potential by providing the financial support and mentoring they need to overcome hurdles and achieve their goals.

The day is designed to break the mould. It is about getting together to enjoy great entertainment and inspiration without being tethered to a single, rigid theme. From a lovely sit-down lunch to live entertainment and some surprises, the event is designed to allow the best collaborations to happen naturally.

“Every year, guests say they met their best client or supplier at the convention, or new collaborations were made.” Penina is observing “This year will be no exception! I am sure of that!”

A Stage for Remarkable Stories

The 2026 line up brings a wealth of diverse wisdom to The Grand.

Heading the stage is Nick Hewer, who will reflect on forty rewarding years in business. From the dawn of the computer age to a decade as the trusted aide on The Apprentice, Nick shares the anecdotes that defined a generation of commercial success.

Joining him is Mike Turner, Co-founder of Bird and Blend Tea. Mike will share the honest, unvarnished story of building a thriving retail and e commerce empire from a spare bedroom to thirty stores across the UK. His journey is a masterclass in building a fiercely loyal community and navigating the pivotal moments that shape a national brand.

Perhaps the most profound story of the day comes from Marcos Jarvis. Faced with an incurable cancer diagnosis and told he had just 91 days to live, Marcos refused to accept the prognosis. With only a 1% chance of survival, he transformed his mindset and approach to health. Now five years cancer free and an ultra-athlete, Marcos stands as living proof that resilience can rewrite even the bleakest of stories.

The stage will also feature prominent voices from the local business community, including Matt Turner MBE (Founder of Creative Pod), Rob Starr MBE (Founder of the Starr Trust and SEICO Mortgages and Insurance), and Mike Lawrence (Founder of global WealthMap), each bringing insight, leadership and real-world experience from our thriving business community.

A Date for the Diary

This year promises to be the most ambitious yet. It is an opportunity for the business community to step out of the daily grind and into a space defined by “Acumen magic.” The revolution that Penina Shepherd started in 2007 has grown into a community that celebrates the bold, the innovative, and the authentic.

The Convention is simply the stage where that community comes to life.

Date: 6 May 2026

Time: 10:30am-5:30pm followed up by networking

Venue: The Grand, Brighton

Secure your ticket here:

acumenbusinessconvention.co.uk