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Author: Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis announces hire of employment partner

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis has announced that partner Peter Finding will join the firm on Monday 13 July. He will join from US firm Pierson Ferdinand.

Peter brings extensive experience in employment and workplace matters, specialising in complex international projects, advisory work and litigation. He is known for his distinctive approach to cross-border employment issues, acting as a substantive strategic adviser to multinational businesses by delivering integrated, cross-jurisdictional advice. This aligns with the firm’s commitment to enhancing its international offering and continuing to provide exceptional service to clients on a global scale.

Peter’s client base is made up of multinational and domestic companies operating in a range of sectors, including technology, sport, financial services and the creative industries.

On joining the firm, Peter said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Harbottle & Lewis, a firm with a strong reputation for its high-calibre client base and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to legal practice. The firm’s dynamism and ability to support businesses across a broad spectrum, from ambitious startups to established global companies, aligns closely with my own practice. Its existing international client base and the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth in this area provide the perfect platform for me to take my practice to the next level, in tandem with the elite lawyers I am joining. In addition, its focus on encouraging its lawyers to follow their entrepreneurial instincts and be innovative when shaping their practices will undoubtedly help mine reach its true potential. The firm has a clear cultural identity and strategy for sustained, long-term growth and I am excited to contribute to this, and to both my colleagues’ and our clients’ long-term success.”

Co-managing partner Charlie Leveque commented:

Peter has built a strong reputation in the market and we are extremely pleased to be welcoming him to the firm. He has substantial expertise delivering specialist advice to businesses at all stages of their growth and advises across many of our key sectors. His arrival is a natural fit with the firm’s broader international focus, and his experience will further enhance the support we provide to our existing clients while also broadening the scope of what we can offer to new clients. He is known for taking a relationship-driven approach with his clients which has enabled him to build long-term connections anchored in personal trust. This is exactly how we do things and we are certain he will be a valuable addition to the firm.”

Innovation without inertia: How law firms can move from thinking to doing

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

How can law firm leaders address the difficult decisions behind change and ensure that innovation is successfully embedded across the firms they manage?

This was one of several questions posed to our co-managing partner Charlie Leveque and chief operating officer Andy Wansell in our fireside chat at this year’s LegalTechTalk. Chaired by Line Lolk Thomsen, chief transformation officer at Plesner, the discussion centred around the challenges faced by law firms which often stall progress and the approach leaders can take to overcome the many obstacles.

Charlie and Andy spoke of their respective experiences, highlighting the importance of embracing innovation and seeing it, and the rapid development of AI and technology, not as a threat but as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients by meeting their evolving expectations. The most successful firms will be those that are agile and ensure that they act quickly and decisively. In addition, firms must have the bravery to halt a project that isn’t working and moving onto something new – what you aren’t doing is as important as what you are doing.

LegalTechTalk is one of Europe’s leading legal technology and innovation conferences, taking place on 17–18 June at the InterContinental London, The O2. Find out more about the event here.

Harbottle & Lewis announces record financial results, capping a decade of transformational growth

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis has announced its financial results for the 2025/26 financial year.

For the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, the firm generated income of £58.3m, reflecting an 8.3% increase on the previous financial year in which the firm reported income of £53.8m. This represents not only a new record income figure, but also a further milestone in a decade of sustained, strategy-led growth. Over the past ten years, the firm has grown revenue by more than 130%, from £25.2m in 2015/16.

This trajectory reflects the firm’s strategic evolution from its origins as an entertainment boutique into a multidimensional, cross-disciplinary adviser to some of the world’s most high-profile businesses, individuals and families, supporting them across every aspect of their personal and commercial needs.

Co-managing partner Tony Littner commented:

“The firm’s strong performance, both in the last financial year and more broadly over the last decade, reflects the success of our concerted strategy to deliver consistent and sustained long-term growth. Our approach combines staying true to our roots by preserving the value of our history and identity, whilst showing the understanding and adaptability needed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of our clients. We do this by continuing to invest in our client relationships, whether that’s through our people or our commitment to innovation. Key to this has been embedding a culture across the firm of active listening and service delivery shaped by our clients’ priorities – we don’t just work alongside our clients; we mirror them, from their innovative mindset to their entrepreneurial nature, creating a depth of trust and loyalty that truly differentiates us and drives our continued success.”

Harbottle & Lewis promotes five to senior positions, strengthening its offering across core practice areas

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis has announced the promotions of five individuals to senior positions, with Catherine Flood, Clare McGarry and Sarah Verrecchia becoming partners, and Jonathan Hewitt and Emily Miles stepping into newly created legal director roles.

These promotions take effect on 1 April 2026.

Senior partner Catherine Bedford said:

“These promotions mark an exciting step in the firm’s ongoing growth, highlighting the strength of our client base and our commitment to excellence across our core practice areas. They reflect our market-leading expertise, from protecting the rights of creative individuals and businesses in film and TV, to advising on corporate transactions, and employment and property matters, to servicing the needs of private clients. Each of these individuals exemplifies the talent and dedication that drive our success, and we are proud to support them as they step into these senior roles.”

Partners

Catherine Flood advises clients on the development, financing, production and exploitation of feature films, television programmes and other content across both traditional and new media platforms. Her practice encompasses work with major US studios and streamers, as well as UK independent film and television producers and individual rightsholders.

Clare McGarry advises on a broad range of commercial and IP matters across the film, TV and theatre industries, including the development, production, financing and distribution of media projects and the acquisition, protection and exploitation of rights, IP and content. Clare’s clients range from individual producers, talent and startup independent production companies to major SVODs, high profile production companies, studios and content financiers. Clare also focuses on newer areas of the industry such as vodcasts, vertical content, branded content and the convergence between traditional TV and content creators.

Sarah Verrecchia advises both businesses and senior employees on the full spectrum of employment matters, acting on both sides of the negotiating table. She works with employers, from early-stage companies to household names, on the full lifecycle of the employment relationship and has particular experience in guiding businesses through sensitive investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes and defending high profile Employment Tribunal claims. For senior employees, Sarah negotiates employment contracts and benefit packages, advises on challenging issues arising during employment often relating to discrimination and harassment, as well as exits, settlement negotiations and Employment Tribunal claims.

Legal directors

The newly launched role of legal director has been introduced to reflect the status and value of the firm’s most senior lawyers outside of the partnership, ensuring it retains and develops its people and recognises the multiple paths to progressing a legal career.

Jonathan Hewitt advises developers, investors and occupiers, including private property companies, charities and individuals, on a wide range of transactional property matters, as well as property-related disputes which often require court or tribunal applications. He is also a notary and produces notarial acts for clients for use domestically and overseas, and advises on relevant cross-border requirements.

Emily Miles advises entrepreneurs, investors and international corporate groups on a broad range of corporate matters. She has particular expertise in private mergers and acquisitions, as well as investment and fundraising transactions. Her practice also encompasses pre-transaction restructurings, joint ventures, management incentive arrangements and wider stakeholder advisory work. Emily works with clients across the media, technology, retail and hospitality sectors, and is also trusted by UHNW individuals and their family offices on their investment and acquisition strategies in the UK.

Harbottle & Lewis shortlisted for the Business Development Award at LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

We have been shortlisted for the Business Development Award at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026.

The LexisNexis Legal Awards highlight excellence, innovation and impact across the legal profession, recognising organisations and individuals who are making a positive contribution to the industry. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place at the Park Plaza London Riverbank on Thursday 16 April.

Our shortlisting is linked to our Client Sight framework, which informs our approach to business development and client engagement. The framework is designed to view the firm from our clients’ perspectives, helping us to better understand their needs, what they value, and how we can provide solutions that meet and exceed their expectations.

In a sector where strategies are often shaped by internal structures, Client Sight takes an ‘outside-in’ approach, enabling us to respond more effectively to the needs of a diverse client base. This includes globally recognised brands, large corporates, entrepreneurs, startups, high net worth individuals, and prominent talent.

We are delighted that our efforts to take a client-first approach have been recognised in this way, and we look forward to attending the awards ceremony alongside other firms and individuals who are driving innovation across the legal profession.

Harbottle & Lewis supports SimPal with donation of laptops

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

In a world where being digitally connected is no longer a luxury but a necessity, two million people in the UK are without any form of device.

Being digitally connected means having access to healthcare services, having opportunities to find work, and being connected to loved ones and wider communities. Without this, people are left isolated and vulnerable.

We have donated 28 of our unused laptops to SimPal, a charity which fights against digital poverty. With the vital support of business mobile company 1823 Group who arranged for the devices to be refurbished, each laptop will go to those who need it most. Watch this video to find out more about how SimPal is working with 1823 Group to tackle digital exclusion.

Chris Lewis, founder of SimPal, said:

“I want to extend a massive thank you to Harbottle & Lewis and all the organisations who have stepped forward to help us drive real change. We are grateful for the incredible support from Kerry and her team which means we are able to help more of those who find themselves in digital poverty. We must act to close the digital divide and it is donations like these which help us to make a difference.”

Kerry Angel, our director of IT, said:

“On behalf of Harbottle & Lewis, my team and I were delighted to be able to help SimPal by donating another batch of our old laptops to a great cause. With the help of 1823 Group, these laptops will take on a new lease of life by helping those struggling in digital poverty. We hope that what is a small gesture on our part will make a big difference to those who really need it.”

Founded in 2016, SimPal is a UK charity run entirely by volunteers which provides mobile phones and pre-paid SIM cards to people living with cancer and other life-threatening conditions, or who are in poverty, to enable them to stay connected to loved ones, healthcare services and their communities. Its services are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with no means testing, ensuring that as many people as possible can access the support they need.

Harbottle & Lewis assists with development of new trust laws in Bermuda, paving way for global reform

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Landmark new laws have been passed in Bermuda which modernise trust legislation and create a framework for modern fiduciary practice, providing a model for other jurisdictions to follow.

The Trustee Amendment Act 2025, which is now in effect, clarifies trustees’ ability to adopt responsible investing approaches, which consider not only financial returns but also reflect the settlor’s and beneficiaries’ wishes in relation to broader social, environmental and other impacts. Whilst trustees should consider material factors that affect financial performance under existing law, including environmental and social factors, this legislation adds certainty that trustees may also consider settlors’ and beneficiaries’ views or ethical stances on the broader impacts of the trust’s investments.

This development responds to the growing demand for responsible investment approaches, beyond purely financial motivators, driven by settlors and beneficiaries who wish their trusts to reflect both financial and non-financial priorities. The legislative model enables trust administration to be more strongly aligned with family legacy, succession planning and shared values. It also seeks to reduce trustee risk and enhance transparency, as well as facilitate responsible investing approaches that can support long-term value creation and sustainable development, contributing to global social and environmental solutions.

The reforms have been driven by Bermuda’s trust industry, led by Gina Pereira TEP of Dana Stewardship Advisory, in association with the Bermuda Business Development Agency, with the technical support of Harbottle & Lewis partner Chris Moorcroft TEP, and Edward Cumming KC and Niamh Davis of XXIV Old Buildings. The initiative is supported by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

The Trustee Amendment Act 2025 is part of a broader reform package in Bermuda and one of two industry-proposed reforms centred on responsible stewardship of wealth. Alongside it, Bermuda has passed the Benefit Entities Act 2025, which creates an opt-in framework for companies, LLCs and limited partnerships to embed responsible business practices and chosen public benefits in governance and decision-making. This is due to come into effect before the end of the year.

On the reforms, Harbottle & Lewis partner Chris Moorcroft said:

“It has been a privilege to support Bermuda’s trust industry, in particular Gina and the BDA, on implementing these groundbreaking reforms to trust law in Bermuda, which place Bermuda at the forefront of global trust law evolution. I congratulate Bermuda for its innovative approach and leadership.

The issues this legislation looks to address, however, are not unique to Bermuda. We therefore very much hope and expect to see other jurisdictions, encouraged and supported by STEP, follow the lead of Bermuda and look to enact similar reforms to enhance and modernise trust laws on a global scale, which will benefit trustees, beneficiaries, and the industry and society as a whole.”

Contact: Alex Molyneux, Communications & Marketing Manager: [email protected]

Follow the links to find announcements from the Bermuda Business Development Agency, STEP and XXIV Old Buildings.

A new statutory tort of invasion of privacy is born in Australia

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Today, Australia welcomed into the world a new statutory tort of serious invasion of privacy.

It arrived with little fanfare from the media or social media platforms but like any new arrival it deserves to be celebrated. The right to privacy is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948, and the Australian Law Reform Commission recommended the introduction of the statutory tort back in 2008 and again in 2014. It adopts a number of principles established in the UK and European privacy laws, as well as the right to seek injunctive relief and the right to sue over false and true privacy intrusions.

More controversially, it includes a journalist exemption. The journalist exemption was not recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 2014 and appears to have been introduced due to last minute lobbying by the media. This is a key provision of the act and will be an important provision in the development of the statutory tort of invasion of privacy in Australia.

Importantly, the newspaper exemption only applies to established media and accredited journalists, so citizen bloggers and social media platforms beware. It also only applies to news, current affairs or opinion on news and current affairs.

What constitutes news for the purpose of a claim will need to be determined by the judge tasked with applying the new law. An article about matters of local and world news, or an exposé of wrongdoing, will clearly qualify as a news item, but magazines and online media which trade in tittle-tattle of the rich and famous, or of those associated with them, should watch out. The days of publishing gossip about who is dating who, where they live, their emotional state, medical information or where the children go to school are in my opinion going to be off limits.

Who will be right will be a matter for the courts to decide. Watch this space.

Legal Directions podcast: career insights from Sacha Wilson and Lisa Lacuna

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

In the latest episode of the Legal Directions podcast, partner and head of our advertising group Sacha Wilson and senior people manager Lisa Lacuna introduce Harbottle & Lewis and discuss the work we do, what life is like at the firm and what aspiring trainees can do to maximise their chances of success when applying for training contracts.

Sacha gives an overview of his career, explaining his journey to partnership before providing an insight into advising clients in a few of our key sectors, including advertising and the wider media and entertainment industry. He outlines the type of work he and his team does, from contract negotiations for brands and advertising agencies to data protection compliance and regulatory projects, and both the challenges and opportunities brought by emerging technologies such as NFTs and the legal issues when working with AI or in areas like influencer marketing.

Lisa discusses the application process for training contracts, providing guidance for those looking to apply and sharing key tips to consider when invited to interview.

To find out more about applying for a training contract or what it’s like to work at Harbottle & Lewis, visit our Grad Hub.

The Legal Directions podcast is hosted by the University of Liverpool Law School and is aimed at students, paralegals and other aspiring legal professionals keen to gain insight, advice and inspiration from those working in the legal industry. You can listen to this episode here.

Harbottle & Lewis announces record financial results for FY25

Posted on by Alex Molyneux

Harbottle & Lewis has announced its financial results for the 2024/25 financial year.

For the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, the firm reported income of £53.8m. This represents the highest income figure reported in its 70 year history.

These results demonstrate the firm’s sustained growth, with a 13.3% increase in income over the last two years and a 91.8% increase over the last eight years.

This is the firm’s first twelve month financial year since it altered its year end to align with the tax year following HMRC’s basis period reform.

Co-managing partner Charlie Leveque said:

“We are very pleased with how the firm has performed over the last financial year, reflected in these strong results which underscore the strength of the relationships we have built with our clients and the trust they continue to have in us. Over the last year we have continued to make great strides in implementing our strategy, for example by refining and sharpening our focus on key sectors, strengthening our international presence and developing our connections overseas, and investing in new ways to improve efficiencies through technology and innovation. This reinforces our conviction that the firm is in a strong position to build on these successes and that our focused, strategic approach will continue to bear fruit.