Shakespeare Martineau sets sights on Southampton expansion

Shakespeare Martineau is looking to expand in Hampshire having secured office space at Southampton Science Park.

The Birmingham-headquartered law firm has appointed corporate partner James Hawkeswood to head up the new location.

James was previously national head of Blake Morgan’s corporate practice and brings more than 25 years’ experience to the role.

He specialises in corporate law, including M&A, joint ventures, private equity investments and complex cross-border transactions – complementing the firm’s existing specialisms in energy, education, technology and healthcare.

James’s appointment comes alongside confirmation of two new partners at Shakespeare Martineau – in commercial litigation and banking respectively – as it looks to grow its Southampton team to double figures by the end of the year.

“My primary mission is to establish Shakespeare Martineau in the Central South, supporting a significant recruitment drive and raising the profile of the firm locally”, said James.

“I’ve spent the vast majority my career in the Central South and I’m proud to call it home.

“I recognise it as a region with huge influence and opportunity – particularly in the research, technology and innovation space – which also stands to benefit from the inward investment being attracted by the Solent Freeport.

“All of this makes it a great location for Shakespeare Martineau.”

The firm already has hubs across the South West, London, East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Its launch in Southampton follows the opening of a new office in Edinburgh, which since 2022 has grown to a team of 10.

In the last financial year, the firm as a whole grew 16 per cent – 11 per cent from organic growth and 5 per cent as a result of its merger with Bristol-based GL Law. 

Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We work with several clients in Southampton and the Central South region already across a range of our sectors, and with Southampton sitting in the UK’s top 10 most populated urban areas, it felt like the next natural move for our on-the-ground presence.

“While many of our peers are shying away or retrenching from bricks and mortar investment in regional spaces, we’re more committed than ever to growing and investing in local expertise and establishing deep roots in new regions.

“We’re looking to attract the best legal minds in the region who share our ambitious vision, client-centred approach, and our values of authenticity and collaboration.”

James added: “I’m delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking, ambitious law firm that unlocks potential for clients and offers excellent career opportunities for its people.

“I’m incredibly excited to be launching Shakespeare Martineau in the region, and bringing such strong, credible expertise to this market.”