Leading independent London law firm Stephenson Harwood has hired a lawyer apiece from Clyde & Co and Mishcon de Reya as it expands key practices.
Shipping lawyer Jennifer Lavelle has joined from Clydes, while Nicola Simmons, a private wealth specialist, has moved over from Mishcon. Both have made partner on the move.
Lavelle has spent the past 11 years as a marine claims and policy specialist at Clydes, before which she worked at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva, advising on maritime matters including oil pollution at sea and piracy.
Tal Goldsmith, Stephenson Harwood's global co-head of commercial litigation, commented: “Transportation and trade is one of our key areas of focus, and Jennifer adds depth to our offering in the sector. Her extensive knowledge of cargo coverage is a clear differentiator, which complements the team’s existing capabilities and enhances our ability to meet the increasingly complex needs of our clients."
Ale Daiv, the firm's head of insurance, added: “Our dedicated insurance team has experienced significant growth in the last five years, as we have invested in building one of the strongest teams in the sector."
Shipping and insurance are reliable mainstays for Stephenson Harwood, which has sought to reduce volatility in its disputes work after falls in revenue and profits in the last financial year following a record 2025. Revenue dipped 2% to £303m in FY2026, while profit fell 12% to £105m.
For her part, Simmons has joined the firm having been a legal director at Mishcon. She brings more than 10 years' experience advising entrepreneurs, family offices, trustees and corporates on personal and corporate tax matters. A chartered tax adviser, Stephenson Harwood said Simmons brought a "rare combination of personal and corporate tax expertise" that meant she could advise clients on both UK and international matters.
“We continue to grow our private wealth team, as our clients’ demands increase, in dealing with their legal and tax affairs internationally," said partner Beatrice Puoti, the firm's London head of private wealth. "The pace of tax changes means our clients need technical, practical, wide-ranging and proactive advice, from advisers who are experts in their field. Nicola’s technical skills, commercial insight and strong client relationships make her a valuable addition to our team."
Her hire follows the exit of a five-strong Hong Kong team to Charles Russell Speechly earlier this summer, creating the region’s largest private client practice.
The firm's London office, meanwhile, saw funds and fund finance specialist Daniel Margolis leave earlier this month for Paul Hastings, continuing a trend of private capital partner recruitment by US law firms.
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