BCLP Adds Pinsent Masons Litigator to London Ranks

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has hired its second London litigator in as many months, the firm announced.

Pinsent Masons partner Shy Jackson joins the firm’s construction disputes team in London.

The hire comes just a day after the firm lost an 11-strong private wealth team to Taylor Wessing.

Nathan Willmott, European leader for litigation and investigations at the firm, said in a statement: “The addition of Shy to our constructions disputes team is significant for the department and aligns, more broadly, with BCLP’s Project Advance strategy.

“Shy‘s excellent reputation and particular expertise will allow us to expand existing and new client relationships, and further develop business in this space. Shy and Sarah’s appointments are a strong start to 2021 and we will continue to look for growth opportunities.”

His hire follows that of Kirkland & Ellis investigations and white-collar crime partner Sarah Klein in London in November, while in December, the firm took Baker McKenzie’s COO, Jason Marty, to replace its own COO David Rowe, who went to U.K. firm Fladgate last year.

The firm also made a number of hires in Europe, notably in Paris, last year. In January 2020, the firm hired 21 lawyers, including seven partners, from French firm Franklin, while notably in October it poached a seven-lawyer real estate team from CMS in Paris.

However, the firm cut around 4% of its global headcount since starting a business strategic review in 2020, and in July cut 40 roles from its London base amid pressures triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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