Stephenson Harwood hires Dan Smith

Stephenson Harwood hires Dan Smith

Consequently, more than a decade at the US firm, Dan Smith joins a UK firm as a partner

As a new partner in its London litigation department, Stephenson Harwood has recruited a former Latham & Watkins lawyer.

Earlier this month, Dan Smith joined the United States firm for twelve years. He is a specialist in significant claims in banking and financial services. The legal disputes he has also been involved in are accompanied by parallel regulatory investigations.

The focus of his practice is on financial services insolvencies, bribery and corruption, as well as onshore and offshore proceedings for banks and other financial institutions, as well as their corporate clients.

In joining the role, Smith brings almost 25 years of experience in private practice, having trained and worked at Slaughter and May, a magic circle firm. It was during that time that he served as a solicitor judicial assistant at the Court of Appeal where he supported appellate judges, including Lord Phillips who was then the Master of the Rolls. The founder of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, which was then acquired by Clyde & Co., spent nearly 7 years there prior to its merger with the legacy firm.

Stephenson Harwood‘s legal practice is an essential part of its DNA and one area that we are focusing on strengthening as part of our expansion plans, according to partner Ed Davis who heads Stephenson Harwood’s commercial litigation practice line.

His experience and expertise in finance disputes enhances our ability to expand our litigation capabilities. Dan’s focus on investments and financial institutions complements our other key strategic areas. His arrival allows us to focus more on finance disputes.”

Stephenson Harwood’s market position allows it to take on the most challenging cases. Smith is excited to join the firm during a period of expansion, working with the funds, life sciences and technology teams in particular.

The London litigation climate is expected to remain active for the foreseeable future, he added. As a result of recent global events, distressed investments have grown at a rapid pace, social security has become more prevalent and new opportunities have arisen.

There will continue to be disputes resulting from these factors. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by early resolution, but in others, a trial may be necessary.”

A month ago, Stephenson Harwood hired equity partner Genevieve Quierin from Mishcon de Reya, who joined the firm as a lateral litigation specialist in 2020. With a fast-growing practice of acting on behalf of corporates, Quierin has quickly built up a large network of clients.

A 10-strong round of partnerships was also announced in April by arbitration lawyer Jide Adesokan and commercial litigator Alan Ward to the London disputes team.

Shai Wade, an arbitration partner at the team, ended up leaving to lead the arbitration group at RPC earlier this month.

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