London disputes boutique Humphries Kerstetter has hired former Clifford Chance litigator Matthew Scully as a partner.
Scully brings more than 25 years of experience advising on a broad range of complex commercial disputes, including corporate and commercial litigation, antitrust disputes, banking litigation, and fraud and asset recovery.
At the same time, the firm, which was founded in 2009 by Linklaters’ former head of advocacy Mark Humphries, has recruited the ex-senior practice manager of 3 Verulam Buildings (3VB) as a consultant.
Scully, the sixth partner on Humphries Kerstetter’s roster, joined the Clifford Chance partnership in 2014 having trained at the firm and qualified in 2000.
With extensive cross-border experience, both as an advocate and as a team leader on large-scale litigation, much of his career has centred on cross-border disputes, from the Chancery Division to the Commercial Court, as well as appellate courts, but also in later years in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
His experience includes handling post-M&A claims, shareholder disputes, applications under the Companies Act and insolvency clawback claims. He has also worked extensively on antitrust matters, including cartel damages, abuse-of-dominance cases and regulatory investigations, representing both claimants and defendants.
Senior partner Kristopher Kerstetter said: “Matthew is an outstanding disputes lawyer, combining technical excellence, international experience and commercial judgement. His depth of expertise makes him an exceptional addition to the firm.”
Scully paid tribute to his former firm in a LinkedIn post: “I have formed some amazing friendships, gained fantastic experience working on a wide range of fascinating cases for an equally wide range of wonderful clients, and throughout that time, had plenty of fun.”
A Clifford Chance spokesperson said: “We thank Matthew for his contributions to the firm and wish him well for the future.”
Scully is not the only former CC partner to join the firm; his former colleague, international arbitration specialist Eraldo d’Atri, joined in late 2024.
Penson, meanwhile, has been brought on board to strengthen the firm’s business development capabilities, having left 3VB after 23 years in December 2024.
He will work closely with partners to support the practice’s management and growth, with a particular focus on client and referrer relationships, business development initiatives and the strategic positioning of core practice areas.
Managing partner Joanna Pearson, now in her second year in the role, said: “Stephen brings exceptional experience, judgement and market insight. His engagement reflects our continued focus on strengthening the firm’s platform and supporting our partners and lawyers as we grow.”
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