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17 December 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Gibson Dunn—London partner promotions

Firm grows international bench with expanded UK partner class

Gibson Dunn has unveiled the largest partner class in its history, with 42 lawyers promoted worldwide and a record cohort in London. Chair and managing partner Barbara Becker (pictured) praised the group’s contribution to the firm’s culture and client work, highlighting their ‘remarkable work’ and saying the firm is ‘thrilled to welcome them’ to the partnership.

The London office accounts for more than a quarter of all promotions, reflecting sustained investment in the firm’s UK platform. New London partners span antitrust, tax, litigation, real estate, transportation and space, private equity, and restructuring. The promotions include Valeri Bozhikov (antitrust and competition), James Chandler (tax), Jonathan Griffin (litigation), Graham Haselgrove (real estate), Tom Jackson (transportation and space), Osvaldo Galeano (M&A), Mark Leverkus (transportation and space), Claire Shepherd (antitrust and competition), Michael S. Skouras (private equity), Matthew Squire (business restructuring and reorganisation), and Alana Tinkler (antitrust and competition).

These new partners advise on some of the UK market’s most complex mandates, from cross-border financings and restructurings to multi-jurisdictional merger control, strategic M&A, and high-stakes investigations and litigation. Their practices support core areas of client demand across financial sponsors, corporates, technology companies, infrastructure investors, and global institutions.

The strengthened UK bench underscores the firm’s broader international growth, with 40% of the global class based outside the US. The London appointments reflect a continued strategic focus on expanding capacity in key regulatory, transactional and disputes capabilities, aligning with growing client needs across the UK and Europe.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—David Smith

Freeths—David Smith

Freeths secures major tax hire with appointment of David Smith

Ellisons—Chris Burnett

Ellisons—Chris Burnett

Patent attorney joins Ellisons to strengthen intellectual property offering

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

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