Oxford legal firm Howes Percival makes key hire and expands offices

Law firm Howes Percival has appointed commercial law and technology specialist Max Windich to its Oxford office.

The firm also announced it is moving to larger offices within its existing building to accommodate a growing team.

Max joins Howes Percival from Witney-based Bartington Instruments Ltd, where he was Legal Director, and is part of the firm's plan to develop a broader legal offering in the city.

Previously Max, who lives in Oxford, ran his own legal practice, Windich Legal, which served a wide range of clients, including Government organisations, Universities, SMEs, national and multinational businesses.

He has particular expertise advising on procurement and outsourcing transactions, IT and technology contracts, complex supply chain and licensing arrangements. Max has also supported key clients as an extension of their in-house function, priding himself on his close relationships with in-house counsel and his tailored approach to individual client needs.

Howes Percival's newest regional office was created in January 2024, following the acquisition of Oxford based specialist commercial, IP & media law firm Maier Blackburn.

Maier Blackburn was founded in 2012 and has a notable reputation in the media and entertainment field of acting for high-profile clients based in the UK, Europe and the US, including the Tolkien Estate. Partners Cathleen Blackburn and Steven Maier joined Howes Percival with immediate effect.

James Howarth, Howes Percival intellectual property and media Partner in Oxford, commented, "Max is a fantastic appointment and was one of the first names on our wish list for Oxford. Max's arrival signifies the next step in our growth plan in the Oxford market and he brings with him significant technical expertise in a specialism that is very complementary to the expertise of Maier Blackburn. In addition to supporting the existing team in the city Max can help us target businesses in the technology sector, including those aligned with regional technology clusters and centres of excellence in the area as well as nationally.

"We will continue investing in and developing our commercial and IP presence in the Oxford market, but Max's experience and passion for business development in the Oxford market also make this a perfect opportunity for Howes Percival to begin growing the breadth of its existing niche practice in the local marketplace.

"We are actively looking to make further hires in Oxford, at all levels, across a range of legal specialisms and have taken larger office space in anticipation of growing the practice."

The firm's investment in Oxford follows a period of sustained growth for Howes Percival. In recent years, the firm has opened new offices in Cambridge, Manchester and Milton Keynes and seen turnover increase by 33% over the last three years.