header-logo header-logo

Birketts—Sian Leonard & Stephen Horscroft

15 September 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
printer mail-detail
Commercial dispute resolution and private client offering expands

Birketts has appointed Sian Leonard and Stephen Horscroft as partners, reinforcing its commercial dispute resolution and private client advisory services. Sian joins the Norwich-based disputes team, bringing over a decade of insolvency expertise from Isadore Goldman, while Stephen joins the Southeast private client team in Sevenoaks, specialising in estate planning and mental capacity law.

Sian (pictured) is recognised for her technical excellence and collaborative approach, acting for a wide range of stakeholders in both corporate and personal insolvency matters. Laurence Weeks, head of commercial litigation, said: ‘Sian’s arrival strengthens our insolvency offering and enhances our ability to support clients with complex disputes.’ Sian added: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Birketts at such an exciting time… I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success.’

Stephen brings more than 14 years’ experience advising individuals, trustees and executors on succession planning, inheritance tax and Court of Protection matters. Louise Long, partner in the private client team, said: ‘Stephen’s technical expertise and client-focused approach will be a tremendous asset to our team.’ Stephen commented: ‘I’m delighted to join Birketts and be part of a team known for its excellence and integrity.’

These appointments reflect Birketts’ ongoing strategic growth and commitment to delivering specialist legal services across the UK. Both partners are expected to play key roles in expanding the firm’s capabilities and supporting clients through complex legal challenges.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

B P Collins—Steven Smith

B P Collins—Steven Smith

Partner appointed deputy district judge on South Eastern Circuit

Birketts—Sian Leonard & Stephen Horscroft

Birketts—Sian Leonard & Stephen Horscroft

Commercial dispute resolution and private client offering expands

McDermott Will & Schulte—Owen Jones

McDermott Will & Schulte—Owen Jones

European real estate finance team bolstered by partner hire in London

NEWS
Chronic delays, duplication of work, cancelled hearings and inefficiencies in the family law courts are letting children and victims of domestic abuse down, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry has found
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
back-to-top-scroll