Reed Smith has appointed a successor to the veteran managing partner of its London office, Andrew Jenkinson. 

Real estate partner Brigid North took over leadership of the 350-lawyer office – the firm’s largest – on 1 January from Jenkinson, who had served in the role since 2015. 

North’s career at Reed Smith began in 2003 as a trainee and she made partner at the firm in 2015. A decade later, she is now the London managing partner, having worked alongside Jenkinson throughout her time at the firm.

North’s practice focuses on commercial real estate, advising developers, institutional investors and occupiers. Beyond her legal practice she has had a number of leadership roles at Reed Smith, including serving as vice-chair of its Women’s Initiative Network (WINRS) and as training principal for the London office.

Meantime Jenkinson’s tenure as managing partner saw significant developments for the firm in London, including the promotion of internal talent, strategic lateral hires and investments in new technology, Reed Smith said. 

Recent London lateral hires include energy partner Nina Howell, who joined from King & Spalding in April, following capital markets, insolvency and restructuring hires in 2023. The firm also promoted Andrew Harper, Ali Ishaq, Rebecca Naylor and Lucy Winnington-Ingram in London as part of a 24-strong partner promotions round last December. 

Jenkinson also oversaw the relocation of the London office to Blossom Yard & Studios in Spitalfields, where the firm took 10 floors of the flagship London development.

Reflecting on Jenkinson’s contributions, Gregor Pryor, Reed Smith’s Europe and Middle East managing partner, said he had “been a steady hand throughout good and challenging times, from navigating the pandemic to leading our transformational office move. His leadership leaves a strong legacy”.

Reed Smith confirmed that Jenkinson, who joined in 1991, will remain a partner in the firm’s real estate practice.

Pryor expressed confidence in North: “In Brigid, we have a natural successor. She has already demonstrated tremendous leadership and will build upon our strong foundations in London. Her appointment reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion by continuing to place women in senior leadership roles.”

North commented: “Having grown up with the firm, I am immensely proud to pick up the reins from Andrew. London is our largest office and embodies Reed Smith’s entrepreneurial and inclusive culture. We have ambitious growth plans, and I look forward to working with everyone to make them a reality.”

The appointment highlights Reed Smith’s dedication to fostering leadership from within and advancing inclusivity in the legal sector, a priority for Casey Ryan as global managing partner. The firm was recognised at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards in 2024 for its Race Equality Initiative.

Reed Smith partner Tamara Box was also chosen as Law Firm Leader of the Year in 2023, when the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network, which North supports, won the Gender Equality Initiative award.