TLT has elected its head of financial services, Andrew Lyon, as its new senior partner. 

Lyon will begin his three-year term on 1 January 2026 and succeed Sasha Butterworth, who has served as senior partner since 2022. Butterworth will continue her role at TLT as a partner and head of the pensions team after standing down. 

For his part Lyon joined TLT’s London office as a partner in 2007 and has since helped to build one of the largest financial services disputes and investigations teams in the UK. He has spent 10 years as a member of the firm’s executive board and also served as location head for its London office for 12 years until handing over to Gareth Oldale in 2024. TLT said Lyon’s understanding of the financial services landscape and London’s unique market position had been key to accelerating its growth in the City.  

As senior partner, Lyon is expected to work closely with managing partner, John Wood, and the leadership team to support the firm’s continued strategic growth and champion its culture, TLT said. 

The firm added that Lyon was committed “to fostering a culture that prioritises accessibility, collaboration and opportunities for the next generation of legal professionals and clients”.

Wood commented: “Andrew’s sector expertise, strategic insight and commitment to our clients and our people make him well-placed to support TLT on this next phase of growth. Andrew and I have worked closely together on our executive board for many years and we share an ambition and confidence in the future of this firm.”

Wood added: “I’d also like to thank Sasha Butterworth for her dedication and contributions to TLT in her role as senior partner.” 

As senior partner, Butterworth led on TLT’s responsible business programme – including playing a key role in the introduction of its sustainability strategy and improving social mobility at the firm. Under her leadership the firm set a target of 50% female partner representation last year, having hit its target of 33% representation two years ahead of schedule. 

TLT also introduced a diversity access programme for aspiring ethnic minority lawyers to improve representation in its early careers roles and complement its investment in apprenticeships. Last year the firm set a new target to achieve 35% ethnic minority representation across its early career roles by October 2030.

TLT brought in revenue of £174m in the 2023/24 financial year, up 21% since 2021/22, when it reported turnover of £144m. In the same time the firm grew total staff numbers by 50% to just over 1,700, including 160 partners. 

Lyon commented: “I feel extremely proud to step into this role at such a pivotal time in the evolution of TLT. I am passionate about our potential and it means a lot to be trusted to represent the firm in this way. For me, it’s about providing continuity at a time of growth and transformation, strengthening engagement through listening to and connecting our people and clients, and creating opportunities for the next generation.”