Mr Upton is joining the London office of US firm Squire Patton & Boggs after four years with KWM, having joined originally in 2012 as a partner in the legacy SJ Berwin practice. News of his departure comes less than a week after four of KWM’s top-billing City lawyers announced their own resignations. The ongoing partner exodus from KWM has stalled plans to recapitalise the firm’s SJ Berwin practice. New EUME leaders Michael Cziesla and Tim Bednall have reportedly travelled to China this week to strategise with global managing partner Stuart Fuller about how to shore up the future of the firm’s European arm despite continued exits and a failed capital call.
Strategic hiring
Squire Patton Boggs managing partner Robert Weekes commented: ‘Neil fits so well with our teams here and globally. His appointment is a continuation of our strategic hiring in London, joining up practices and industry groups more closely and creating stronger links between international offices.’ Other notable hires to Squire’s UK offices in the last year include real estate partner Andrew Herring, who joined from DWF, and construction partner James Duckworth, who joined the firm’s Sheffield office from Nabarro.
Sources: The Lawyer; Legal Business; Legal Week
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