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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

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

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Penningtons Manches Cooper strengthens international disputes team with appointment of leading arbitration partner

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Shakespeare Martineau strengthens trust and estates disputes team with new appointments

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law strengthens employment disputes and international advisory capability with senior associate appointment

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