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.