header-logo header-logo

New Law Journal | The leading weekly legal magazine

Home Login E-newsletter About us
Latest
Opinion
24 June 2026
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
printer mail-detail

Mathys & Squire—nine promotions

IP firm announces new partners and senior promotions across UK offices

Leading intellectual property law firm Mathys & Squire is delighted to announce it has promoted three managing associates to partners and six associates to managing associates across their UK offices.

The new partners are Adam Gilbertson (pictured), Leonard Wright and Oliver Parish, all from the patents practice. The new managing associates are Daniel Varley, Sarah Linnett, Siobhan Durran, William Wathey, Peter Humby and Rachael Martin, all from the patents practice, with Daniel also practicing in the design group.

The promotions reflect Mathys & Squire’s continued dedication to strategic growth as a firm, as well as the value they place on career progression.

The following have now been appointed as Partners:

  • Adam Gilbertson (Birmingham office) – Adam specialises in the areas of physics, optical and electronic devices, as well as systems, materials and software inventions. Currently, he is assisting in the prosecution of a suite of patent applications on AI technologies. He also has significant experience working with SMEs and spinout companies, providing patentability and infringement opinions for decision making.
  • Leonard Wright (London office) – Leo advises clients, from startups to large corporations, across a broad range of industries with a particular focus on medical devices, computer-implemented inventions and mechanical engineering. He has recently been involved in handling offensive and defensive oppositions at the EPO, and has also advised on a number of litigation cases at the new UPC.
  • Oliver Parish (London office) – Oliver works across a range of technologies in the fields of physics, engineering and software; his recent work has focused on high-tech innovation in quantum computing, photonics and semiconductor technologies. He also has extensive experience in strategic and contentious matters, having advised clients in respect of disputes regarding the infringement and validity of patents and registered designs, as well as patent licensing, IP due diligence, and freedom to operate.

Martin MacLean says, “It was with great pleasure that we announce these promotions and recognise the achievements, talent and hard work of our new Partners and Managing Associates. Their commitment to delivering excellence and dedication to their clients has shone through during their time with us, and we look forward to seeing how they will continue contributing to the success of the firm. At Mathys & Squire, we are passionate about supporting career progression and rewarding hard work, and this is an important step in the firm’s strategic growth.”

In our London office, the below have been promoted to Managing Associate:

  • Daniel Varley – Daniel advises clients across a broad range of engineering sectors including medical devices, optics, security systems, autonomous vehicles, consumer products, and renewable energy. Alongside his work drafting and prosecuting patent applications, he has extensive experience in securing international design protection.
  • Sarah Linnett – Sarah specialises in the fields of biotechnology and cell biology with a particular emphasis on vaccines, antibodies, gene therapy and stem cells. Her work involves drafting patent applications, managing global patent portfolios and coordinating prosecution across various jurisdictions.
  • Siobhan Durran – Siobhan primarily works in the field of biotechnology and pharmacology and has specialist expertise in small molecule pharmaceuticals, antibody technology and recombinant protein therapeutics. She has experience in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications in the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
  • William Wathey – Will’s work covers a range of engineering, physics and IT technologies, with particular focus on medical devices, software/AI, autonomous vehicles and telecoms. He has extensive experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the UK and Europe, as well as handling international patent portfolios and advising clients on wider IP strategies. Will enjoys actively engaging with startup and scaleup ecosystems, regularly providing IP advice to support early-stage companies through funding rounds, valuations and due diligence processes.

In our Cambridge office, two of our Associates have been promoted to Managing Associate:

  • Peter Humby – Peter works in the IT & Engineering team and handles patent matters on behalf of a wide range of applicants, from private inventors, universities and startups to larger corporations, including multinational telecommunications and video games companies.
  • Rachael Martin – Rachael has a broad technical background in biological sciences, spanning diagnostics, therapeutics, nucleic acid-based technologies and bio-based materials. She works with a range of clients including startups, SMEs, universities and large corporations.
FEATURES
Laura Benghiat considers why litigators may need to revisit their limitation analysis as a case develops
As non-court dispute resolution gains momentum, Sarah Hughes explores how collaborative practice can deliver better outcomes for separating families
Three hundred briefs in, our treasured author & Harvey enthusiast, Professor Ian Smith, has a lot to shout about from the employment coalface
Abdulali Jiwaji unpacks the High Court’s decision in Glencore & the implications for privilege claims during disclosure
A meticulous record of shared spending was not enough to establish a legally enforceable agreement between cohabiting partners: Chris Bryden & Tori Adams examine an unusual case
Neil Davies & Tom Clinton discuss the decision in JAC v Choudhury & the limits of forceful litigation
Uninterested; TCC abhors rancour; Struck with case management; FPR update no 3 of 2026; Family listing
A judicial review has ruled that a consensual transgender strip search may be lawful notwithstanding PACE’s same-sex search provision: Michael Zander KC reports
Simon Parsons considers the loss of confidence in international law as conflicts flare around the world
Kamran Rehman & Harriet Campbell explore how the Court of Appeal has clarified the limits of sovereign waiver under the New York Convention
View All

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley—Jordan Wallace

Thomson Hayton Winkley strengthens family law team

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Ward Hadaway—Barnaby Rosenthall

Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway in Teesside role

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird & Bird—Shahin Baghaei

Bird Bird hires leading legal transformation expert

Meet our legal trainees Overview of Legal Services
NEWS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

How forcefully can a litigant criticise a public authority before robust advocacy crosses the line into unreasonable conduct? 
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
MOST READ
back-to-top-scroll