Following the merger of Reed Smith with Richards Butler, effective of 1 January 2007, the joint firm has just announced six promotions to Partner level. The newly merged firm is now one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,300 lawyers across three continents.

In the Real Estate Group, Clare Whitaker and Malcolm Dunn, previously associates in the Richards Butler London office, have been promoted. Clare joined from Freshfields in March 2006, and advises on a broad range of property transactions, including the property aspects of corporate mergers, acquisitions and disposals, especially for clients in the hospitality and leisure industries.  Malcolm joined as a trainee in 1997 and acts for investors, developers and corporate occupiers.   

There were also three promotions in the Corporate Group: Saul Sender joined Reed Smith’s European Corporate Group in October 2005 from Allen & Overy.  Saul's practice focuses on equity capital markets and general public and private M&A transactions. Sakil Suleman joined the firm (then Warner Cranston) as a trainee in 1998 and advises clients in respect of a wide range of M&A, joint venture, finance and company/commercial transactions. Michael Young, started as a trainee at Richards Butler in 1996. His work involves advising clients in respect of a broad range of corporate finance and company/commercial transactions, including cross-border and domestic mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and equity issues by public and private companies.

David Semark, previously an associate in Richards Butler’s Shipping Group in London, has also been promoted to Partner. He joined Richards Butler in October 2001, having previously worked at Shepstone & Wylie, the leading South African shipping firm, and has significant expertise handling complex multi-jurisdictional shipping disputes.

Commenting on the promotions, Tim Foster, UK Managing Partner said: ““I am delighted to announce these latest elections within the firm. The promotions demonstrate both the range and depth of talent in the combined UK firm and how the opportunities from the merger will be very positive for, and enhance the careers of, our people in the UK.”

Further details on each of the Partners and supporting photographs are available by contacting Beth or Joanna on 020 7269 1430.

About Reed Smith Richards Butler

Reed Smith Richards Butler is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,300 lawyers in 20 offices throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.  Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises.  Its lawyers provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions.  Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, and education. 
Reed Smith prides itself as a workplace where diversity is embraced as a core value. The firm is ranked in the top 50 firms on the Minority Law Journal’s Diversity Scorecard, representing an overall jump of 109 places since 2003. Diversity-minded client Sara Lee Corporation elevated Reed Smith to Preferred Partner status, whilst the Hispanic National Bar Association selected the firm as its “Law Firm of the Year” in 2006.
The firm’s excellent reputation was further reinforced by last year’s 2006 ‘The Lawyer awards’. The firm was awarded second place in the US firm of the year category and Thomas Ince was named UK associate of the year, his work pro bono work for the Royal Society for the Blind being particularly recognised.

For further information visit: www.reedsmith.co.uk