Stephenson Harwood promotes eleven to partnership

“Our new partners deliver a blend of outstanding legal ability, clear commercial insight and a passion for building strong, positive partnerships with our clients,” said Eifion Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Stephenson Harwood. “Their expertise spans more than law - they are trusted advisors who guide clients through complex challenges and help them seize new opportunities.

“With 18 additional lateral hires joining our international network across Europe, the Middle East and Asia during the last 12 months and promotions spanning our core areas of focus, this is an exciting period of growth for the firm. We are building on the proven success of our strategy - investing in our strengths across these regions and delivering a focused, collaborative alternative to the transatlantic giants, rather than pursuing a US merger. This approach continues to deliver success for our clients and our people.”

The firm's new partners:

Hortense Atthenont-Duret has been named Partner in the Marine, Trade and Offshore practice in Paris. Hortense has deep experience in the banking and finance sector, and specialises on asset and export finance for the transportation – and, in particular, maritime - industry. She advises domestic and international financial institutions, ship companies, lessors, ECAs, and corporates on asset finance, tax leasing, export credits and corporate financings. 

Rebecca Crookenden has been named Partner in the Marine, Trade and Offshore practice in London. Rebecca is a leading international trade and shipping specialist, advising oil majors, commodity traders, shipowners, banks, and charterers on complex, cross-border disputes and commercial challenges. Her work spans contract drafting, high-value litigation and arbitration in major fora, as well as strategic advice on non-contentious matters and significant projects arising out of her sector expertise.

Emily Davies has been named Partner in the Private Equity team. Based in London, Emily specialises in private equity and growth capital, advising institutional investors, founders, management teams, and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle. She has broad experience spanning a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, energy and infrastructure, and recently completed a secondment as Acting General Counsel at a mid-market private equity fund.

Natalie Edwards has been named Partner in the Employment, Pensions, Immigration and Private Wealth practice in London. A trusted adviser to employers across a range of sectors including hospitality, luxury goods, financial services and insurance, Natalie provides pragmatic, commercially focused employment law guidance. Her expertise spans the full employment relationship, from appointment through to termination, and extends to employment litigation before the Tribunal, the Appeal Tribunal and the High Court. Natalie also advises on employment aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, including TUPE.

Paul Hollands has been named Partner in the Commercial Litigation practice. Paul is based in London, where he handles high-value and complex disputes for clients including large businesses, high-net-worth individuals, professionals and their firms, insolvency practitioners and insolvent companies. He has extensive experience in litigation, regulatory and risk management matters, and provides strategic guidance across a range of challenging issues.

Rajiv Kakkad has been named Partner in the Private Equity team in London. Rajiv has substantial expertise in all aspects of private equity transactions throughout the lifecycle of a company. He advises a range of private equity houses, institutional investors, management teams, and portfolio companies on MBIs, MBOs, investments, bolt-ons, exits, and continuation vehicle deals. He has a range of experience advising on all facets of mid-market private equity across a multitude of sectors.

Patrick Lundie has been named a Partner in the Real Estate and Projects practice in London. Patrick is a real estate lawyer with broad experience across asset classes. He advises international and UK lenders on the property aspects of real estate finance transactions and has completed secondments at HSBC and Barings. Patrick acts for investment fund and family office clients on the acquisition and disposal of properties, with notable experience in industrial, PBSA, hotel and prime residential sectors.

Byul McPhee has been named Partner in the Tax and Incentives practice area in London. Byul advises on a wide range of corporate and finance tax matters, with particular expertise in M&A - including private equity, cross-border deals and acquisitions of owner-managed businesses - and group reorganisations. She is also experienced in advising on finance transactions, including shipping and real estate financings.

Sarah O'Brien has been named Partner in the Intellectual Property, Tech and Data practice. Based in London, Sarah advises clients on the evolving landscape of technology, data and cyber. She helps organisations across a variety of sectors to understand complex data and cyber governance challenges and advises them on data-driven marketing strategies. Sarah is skilled in navigating the regulatory implications of emerging technologies, particularly in the health, wellness, and medical devices sectors.

Richard Pike has been named Partner in the Real Estate and Projects practice in London. A construction, infrastructure, and procurement expert, Richard guides sponsors, developers, contractors, funders, and public sector bodies through complex projects across sectors including transport, energy, waste, accommodation, office and retail, and education. He is adept at navigating construction, operation, and public procurement issues along the full life of construction and infrastructure projects. 

Ivan Valkov has been named Partner in the Commercial Litigation practice in London. He is a litigator specialising in high-stakes litigation and arbitration, advising on complex, high-value disputes. He has played a key role in defending the war insurance market in the Russian Aviation matters. Ivan has a strong track record across Hull & Machinery, War, and Mortgagee Interest insurance, with extensive cross-border experience. Recently, he has advised insurers on cargo and war-related issues arising from geopolitical developments in the Gulf.