Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner
Harper James has appointed Lottie Hugo as a corporate partner, adding to its 16-strong team advising ambitious SMEs. She brings more than a decade of experience supporting founders, management teams and investors on UK and cross-border transactions.
Hugo’s practice covers private M&A, private equity investment, corporate governance and restructurings, with deal experience ranging from £1m to £500m across sectors including energy, technology and retail. She joins from Freeths, where she was a partner and played a key role in growing the South West corporate team, having started her career at Foot Anstey.
Her appointment comes as growth-focused SMEs face increasingly complex transactions and governance challenges. She has particular experience advising private equity-backed businesses on buy-and-build strategies and international expansion, working closely with senior leadership and boards.
Hugo said: ‘I’m really excited to be joining Harper James... a collaborative and forward-thinking culture... an innovative model that genuinely works for entrepreneurs.’ Adam Kudryl, head of legal strategy and operations and head of corporate, added: ‘We’re pleased to be welcoming Lottie... she would be a strong addition... bringing sound commercial judgement and deep transactional expertise.’




