Fenwick Elliott—Karen Gidwani

Construction and energy law firm Fenwick Elliott will have a new senior partner when Simon Tolson is succeeded by Karen Gidwani on 1 April 2025.

Simon (pictured left) will remain a partner at the firm and continue his work for clients. Karen (pictured right) will have been at Fenwick Elliott for 25 years when the transition takes effect, having joined the firm in 2000 and been a partner since 2006.

The headcount at the firm has more than doubled during Simon’s two-plus decades at the helm, driven in part by international expansion and the opening of an international hub in Dubai in 2015.

He said: ‘I’m very proud of what Fenwick Elliott has achieved during my time as senior partner, and my key involvement in over 20 significant reported cases plus my international arbitrations. In running the business, I have had the vital support of my partners, particularly Tony Francis, Richard Smellie and Neil Elliot who for over 30 years have been very close, and I have been fortunate to work with many brilliant associates, consultants and, of course, clients.

‘When I joined FE in March 1987, I didn’t plan on staying 37 years, but being part of this firm’s journey continues to energise me to this day.

‘I have worked with Karen for many years and have complete confidence that she will do an exceptional job as senior partner, leading the firm into its exciting next chapter.’

Karen has led on numerous high-profile cases. She is also active on high-value, complex international arbitration work, and has longstanding experience in adjudication.

Karen said: ‘I am excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity take this role in the firm. Fenwick Elliott enjoys an unrivalled reputation for its specialist knowledge of construction and energy law, and I am looking forward to leading and working with our incredibly talented team of lawyers and staff, and working with our valued clients, to ensure continued growth, continued excellence and the development of that talent.

‘I am also looking forward to working more closely with our head of IT and innovation to explore the opportunities at the interface of AI and the law, and to continue our important work in the CSR and ESG space.

‘Simon has been an exemplary leader of Fenwick Elliott and will always be a hugely respected and admired member of the firm, the legal profession, and the construction and energy industries. I’m delighted that he will continue as a partner at Fenwick Elliott and know that everyone associated with the firm will benefit from his experience and expertise.’