Insolvency partner Katie is latest to join Shakespeare Martineau’s growing Soton team

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has further expanded its team in Southampton with the appointment of insolvency partner Katie James.

Bringing more than 20 years’ legal experience to the firm, Katie joins after almost a decade at Blake Morgan.

She works with insolvency practitioners, lenders, creditors and directors of distressed businesses to maximise recoveries for the stakeholders of insolvent companies through restructuring, transactions or litigation.

Throughout her career, Katie has been involved in a range of insolvency matters, including administrations, receiverships, company voluntary arrangements, liquidations and bankruptcies, helping to sell businesses, properties and other assets.

She’s also pursued claims related to directors’ loan accounts, misfeasance and antecedent transactions.

Katie will be based in Southampton but service a national client base.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Shakespeare Martineau at such an exciting time in the firm’s growth,” she said.

“The ambition to build a thriving insolvency practice in the Central South aligns perfectly with my own goals.

“Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of insolvency practitioners, managing recovery relationships with clearing banks, and more recently collaborating with key players in the insolvency claims purchasing market.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to Shakespeare Martineau and growing the firm in the South.”

Last April, Shakespeare Martineau secured office space at the University of Southampton Science Park and appointed corporate partner James Hawkeswood to head up the new hub.

James added: “We’re delighted to welcome Katie to the team.

“Her wealth of experience in insolvency, particularly in handling complex cases and working with key stakeholders, together with her undoubted enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the Central South.”

• shma.co.uk