Specialising in venture capital work, Mr Barnett advises high-tech and fast growth companies at all stages of their development, from seed, angel and VC financings through to exit. He also regularly acts for investors in these companies. His move will boost Shoosmiths' growing VC practice, which last year advised on more than 50 VC deals, acting for clients including Octopus Ventures, Downing, MMC Ventures and the Business Growth Fund.

Perfect fit

Head of Shoosmiths' Venture Capital practice, corporate partner Alastair Peet, said: ‘Steven's specific experience in advising technology companies and investors, with a strong focus on VC investments and cross-border mergers, makes him a perfect fit for us…We have worked opposite Steven on a number of deals. He is a very well respected lawyer in this area and his appointment to our London office complements our national VC team and reflects our very real ambition to develop strongly in this area of work.'

High regard

Mr Barnett added: 'Shoosmiths has a heavyweight VC team that is held in very high regard by the market. Becoming a part of that team is attractive - it has high-calibre lawyers, fantastic clients and exceptional knowledge of the investor and investee businesses and how they operate. I very much look forward to becoming a part of a firm with a UK-wide reach that is close to so many markets.'