Shoosmiths is excited to announce Kirsten Hewson as its new Chair.

Kirsten will take over from longstanding Chair Peter Duff on 1 April 2024.

Peter has held the role since 2014, in which time the firm’s revenue has doubled largely from organic growth and has seen the firm appointed to 135 panels and achieving widespread recognition in the market as the law firm that clients come to for what matters.

Peter, who did not stand for re-election, hands the baton over to Kirsten as the firm continues to drive its dynamic client-led growth strategy to lead the upper mid-market law firms by 2030, focusing on three core pillars of Real Estate, Corporate and Litigation and five sectors of Energy and Infrastructure, Mobility, Financial Services, Living and Technology.

Kirsten joined Shoosmiths in 2003 and became a Board member in 2019 following her appointment as Head of the Real Estate Division. During her tenure, Kirsten led significant revenue and headcount growth and helped cement the firm’s preeminent position in the Real Estate market.

She has played a pivotal role in key client relationships including Grainger and IKEA, and provided strategic planning advice for Welborne Garden Village, as well as ground-breaking work in relation to the government’s nitrate neutrality regulations.  Kirsten has also overseen the hires of market-leading talent including Barry McKeown and Lyndsey O’connor in Glasgow, Choisanne Man in London, Patrick Duffy in Manchester and Phil Gregory in Leeds.

Real estate partner, Joe Mazzucca, will be assuming the role of Head of Real Estate, replacing Kirsten as she transitions to her new role in April.  Joe joined Shoosmiths in 2014 as Head of the firm’s London office, playing a key part in the firm’s Real Estate growth over that period and expansion of our London office to No.1 Bow Churchyard in 2021.

On her new appointment, Kirsten Hewson said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been elected as Chair of Shoosmiths. It’s an exciting time for our firm as we focus on delivering our ambitious 2030 strategy. As an experienced Board member with responsibility for our ‘People and Culture’ initiatives, I will continue to focus on ensuring we foster the very best environment for our people to excel in our delivery for our amazing clients.”

Peter Duff, said: “It’s been an honour to hold the position of Chair at Shoosmiths for the last nine years. We have achieved great things because of the relationships and trust we enjoy with our clients. I am delighted to be able to hand the firm to someone who cares about it as much as I do. Kirsten is a leader – she will do a fantastic job. We are an incredibly ambitious firm with a clear strategy, and I’m excited to see Shoosmiths continue to go from strength to strength.”

David Jackson, CEO at Shoosmiths, said: “I am thrilled to be working alongside Kirsten. Her client and people focus as demonstrated in the superb growth of our award-winning Real Estate practice is energising and inspiring.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for everything he has achieved during his impressive tenure as Chair.”