As Shakespeare Martineau continues to invest in its
presence in the capital, the national law firm has appointed commercial
disputes partner David Vaughan as head of its London office in The
Shard.
David,
who rejoined the firm in August 2025, takes on the role
at a significant time for Shakespeare Martineau’s London practice
following its relocation to the 19th floor of The Shard last year and a series
of senior partner appointments.
The
firm has expanded its London team with five senior partner hires over
the past 18 months, bringing additional expertise across real
estate, governance and complex disputes. The London office is
almost 25% larger than its previous space, and provides a modern,
agile working environment designed to support more than 160 people.
The
investment reflects Shakespeare Martineau’s wider strategy of strengthening its
presence in key UK business centres and being closer to the clients and sectors
it serves.
As
London office head, David will focus on building the office’s profile,
deepening client relationships and supporting the continued growth of
the firm’s established legal offering in the capital, while continuing to
advise clients nationally and internationally.
David
said: “London is a critical market for
Shakespeare Martineau and I’m delighted to take on the role
of office head at such an exciting time for the firm.
“The
investment we are making in London is a clear demonstration of our ambition for
the capital. We have a growing team of highly experienced specialists, a
fantastic home at The Shard, and a strong platform from which to build
deeper relationships with clients and referrers.
“Since
returning to the firm, I’ve been impressed by the strength and
ambition of the team and the opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward
to working with colleagues to further raise our profile in London, strengthen
our relationships across the market and support the continued growth of the
office and the firm as a whole.”
Victoria Tester, managing director at Shakespeare
Martineau, added: “David’s appointment as London office head comes at
a pivotal moment in our investment and growth in the capital.
“London remains a
critical market for us and David is an excellent fit to lead the
next phase of our growth. He brings deep expertise in
complex, cross-border disputes, a strong understanding of our business and a
clear commitment to building lasting client relationships. His leadership will
help us continue to build our profile, deepen those relationships and
grow our offering in this important market.”
David
brings more than 20 years’ experience advising international clients on
complex, high-value litigation and arbitration. He acts for
corporates, financial institutions, sovereign states and
high-net-worth individuals, with particular expertise in
multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes.
The
firm’s London team advises businesses, investors and private clients
across a broad range of legal services, with particular strengths in
real estate, corporate, governance and complex disputes.
