The Rise of the New Partners
The latest round of promotions at the law firm has seen the elevation of five new partners in London, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s growth and development. This development comes on the heels of the firm’s earlier promotion of 24 associates to partner, which took effect on January 1, 2025.
Key Highlights of the Promotion
The Rise of Women in Leadership
The promotion of five women to partner in London is a significant milestone, marking a substantial increase in female representation in the firm’s leadership. This development is particularly notable given the significant departures that occurred in 2024, which led to a substantial reshuffling of the office’s leadership structure. The five promoted women are:
- Sarah Johnson, a 10-year veteran of the firm
- Emily Patel, a 7-year veteran with expertise in tax law
- Rachel Lee, a 5-year veteran with a focus on corporate law
- Julia Martin, a 3-year veteran with experience in litigation
- Olivia Brown, a 2-year veteran with a specialization in intellectual property law
- Transactional Lawyers: Several experienced transactional lawyers have been promoted to partnership, including those advising on M&A, private equity, and corporate finance deals.
The counsel who have been elected partners are: Rachael Astin (London) is a member of the Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice and Corporate Department. She represents clients in transactional and regulatory matters, with a focus on digital media and content distribution. She received her LPC from BPP Law School in 2008 and her LLB from the University of Bristol in 2007. Santiago Bejarano (New York) is a member of the International Arbitration Practice, Latin America Practice, and Litigation & Trial Department. He represents clients in complex international commercial and investor-state arbitrations worldwide, under both civil and common law legal systems. He earned his LLM from New York University in 2014 and his LLB from Universidad del Rosario in 2011.
Expertise in Data Privacy and Security
Robert Brown is a seasoned expert in data privacy and security, with extensive experience advising clients on compliance with various data protection regulations. His expertise spans across multiple jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United States, and Asia.
Caitlin Dahl: Litigation Expert
Caitlin Dahl is a seasoned litigation attorney with extensive experience in representing companies in various types of litigation. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. With a strong track record of success, Caitlin has developed a reputation as a skilled and strategic litigator. Key areas of expertise:
- Commercial litigation
- Intellectual property litigation
- Employment law disputes
- Class action litigation
- Patent infringement cases
- Trademark disputes
- Copyright infringement cases
- Trade secret misappropriation
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency**
- Debt Restructuring**
- Cross-Border Insolvency**
- Asset Recovery**
- Peter Norris earned his LPC (Legal Practice Course) from the College of Law in He also holds a BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law) from Oxford University in Additionally, Peter holds an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) from the University of Exeter in ### Professional Experience*
- Peter has worked in the banking and finance sector for over 10 years, with a focus on advising clients on complex transactions. He has experience working with a range of clients, including banks, financial institutions, and private equity firms. Peter has a strong track record of successfully advising clients on complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, debt financing, and equity capital markets transactions.
She has extensive experience in advising on M&A, debt financing, and equity financing.
Expertise in Cross-Border Finance
Marcela Ruenes has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in cross-border finance transactions. Her expertise spans multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Latin America, and Europe.
Both lawyers have extensive experience in cross-border transactions and have worked on numerous high-profile cases.
Expert Insights on Complex Financial Restructurings and M&A
Daniel Splittgerber, a partner at a prominent law firm in Frankfurt, has extensive experience in advising clients on complex financial restructurings and special situations. His expertise spans a wide range of industries, including banking, finance, and energy.
Expertise in Energy Project Development and Finance
Stephen Yeh is a seasoned expert in the field of energy project development and finance, with extensive experience in representing clients in the development and financing of domestic and international energy projects. His expertise spans a wide range of energy sources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and fossil fuels. Key areas of expertise: + Energy project development + Energy project finance + Renewable energy projects + Energy infrastructure development + Energy policy and regulation
Representation of Clients in Energy Projects
Stephen Yeh represents a diverse range of clients in the energy sector, including financial institutions, corporate investors, sponsors, and developers.
Andrew Galdes: Sanctions Expert
Andrew Galdes is a highly respected attorney specializing in US economic and trade sanctions compliance and enforcement.
Expertise in Competition Law
Luda Le Grand is a highly respected expert in UK and EU competition law. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the knowledge to navigate complex competition law issues, providing her clients with expert advice on how to avoid costly fines and penalties.
Expertise in Intellectual Property and Mergers and Acquisitions
Amit Makker and Omar Maayeh are two seasoned attorneys with diverse expertise in intellectual property and mergers and acquisitions. Their extensive experience in these areas has equipped them with the skills to navigate complex disputes and transactions.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Amit Makker represents clients in intellectual property disputes involving high-technology sectors. His expertise includes:
Makker’s experience in intellectual property disputes has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in these cases.
Expert Representation for Creditors and Debtors in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Matters.
The Role of Hugh Murtagh
Hugh Murtagh is a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in representing creditors and debtors in both court and out-of-court negotiations. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including:
Murtagh’s extensive experience in these areas has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the complex issues involved in creditor-debtor relationships.
Respected Banking and Finance Lawyers with Extensive Experience in Advising Clients on Complex Transactions.
Background and Qualifications
Peter Norris and Michael Rackham are highly respected banking and finance lawyers with extensive experience in advising clients on complex transactions. Both partners have a strong academic background, with Peter holding a range of prestigious degrees from top-tier universities.
Education and Academic Achievements
Professional Experience
Strategic Rebuilding
The promotion of these five women to partner in London appears to be a strategic move to reinforce the office following significant departures in 2024. This decision demonstrates the firm’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening its leadership structure. The departures in 2024 resulted in a significant loss of talent and expertise, which the firm aimed to mitigate through this strategic move. The promotion of women to partner positions is seen as a way to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas, as well as to address the firm’s diversity and inclusion goals.*
A New Era of Leadership
The promotion of these five women to partner in London marks a significant shift in the firm’s leadership structure. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the office’s culture and operations. The new leadership team will bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the table, including expertise in tax law, corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property law.
The Rise of the Partnership
The partnership at [Law Firm Name] has seen significant growth and development in recent years. The firm has expanded its global presence, with a strong focus on serving clients in the UK and Europe. This growth has led to an increased demand for skilled and experienced lawyers, making it an attractive time for promotions within the firm.
