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20 April 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Harper James—Lottie Hugo

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.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joinscorporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Firm strengthens children department with adoption and surrogacy expert

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