header-logo header-logo

19 February 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
printer mail-detail

Hugh James—Jonathan Askin

London corporate and commercial team announces partner appointment

Hugh James has appointed Jonathan Askin as a partner in its commercial practice, bolstering its corporate and commercial team and sector expertise in London. The move marks a further step in the continued growth of the firm’s London office and wider national offering.

Askin joins with more than 20 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer, including senior leadership roles at Top 50 UK law firms and time in-house with the UK Government as senior legal counsel (commercial). He has advised clients ranging from PLCs and multinationals to owner-managed businesses and start-ups, with expertise spanning complex supply chain and outsourcing contracts, data and AI governance, and large-scale public sector outsourcing and procurement matters.

Aled Walters, partner and head of the commercial practice, said: ‘Jonathan’s appointment is a significant boost for our London office and our commercial practice… He brings additional strength, depth and credentials to many of our current sector groups… and we’re thrilled to have him on board.’

Askin added: ‘Hugh James has a clear strategy for developing a high-quality, sector-focused commercial offering… I’m looking forward to contributing to that growth and working with teams across the firm.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott bolsters housebuilder expertise in Birmingham

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Firm adds former Simmons Simmons patent head to engineering and tech team

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

Freeths strengthens its voice in national disputes with ACTAPS committee appointment

NEWS
Some employment law controversies never disappear—they merely lie dormant
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but its successful adoption depends as much on culture as technology
The fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal as UK ambassador to Washington raises profound questions about constitutional governance, accountability and political appointments
Pastries may be in the firing line while kebabs escape scrutiny, but the reality is far more nuanced
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dillon highlights a central tension in modern public law: rights may be recognised without being fully realised
back-to-top-scroll