Shakespeare Martineau’s Southampton office makes new hire

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed experienced commercial litigator Paula Swain to its new Southampton office.

Paula, who was until recently the head of Shoosmiths’ Solent office, will be supporting the continued success and growth of Shakespeare Martineau’s national debt and asset recovery team.

She brings more than 24 years’ post-qualification experience, which includes more than half a decade leading Shoosmiths’ UK-wide commercial recoveries department.

Paula regularly advises creditor companies on their finance and business disputes, and is accustomed to handling disputes around guarantees and indemnities, complex asset recoveries, breach of warranty, and fraud claims.

She will be joined by team supervisor Ray Welsby, also from Shoosmiths, who will be a supervisor in the debt and asset recovery team.

Paula has been a familiar face in the local legal and professional community since her time as an undergraduate at the University of Southampton.

In 2018, she was elected a director of the Solent LEP then became a director of the Solent Freeport in 2021. Paula has a visiting fellowship at Solent University’s law school, and has also served on the South East board of Business in the Community.

Paula, who will be based in Southampton but servicing a national client base, said: “The calibre of Shakespeare Martineau’s debt and asset recovery team was already very well known to me.

“When I met the leadership team and learned of both the strategic progress they have made and their ambitious plans for the future – including setting up in Southampton – I couldn’t help but be impressed.

“The firm’s attitude to career development and responsible business made it an obvious choice for me.

“I love nurturing positive relationships with colleagues and clients, as well as the mix of advisory work, operational delivery issues, sales opportunities and leadership needs that come along with my area of law.

“No day is ever the same and there is always a problem to solve. I am looking forward to bringing my energy, passion and experience to the team, wider firm and Southampton market.”

In April, Shakespeare Martineau secured office space at the University of Southampton Science Park and kickstarted its expansion into the Central South market with the appointment of leading corporate partner James Hawkeswood, who will head up the firm’s local hub.

James said: “We are thrilled to welcome Paula to our growing team as we continue our investment in the Southampton and wider Central South market.

“Paula has strong knowledge of the region and great connections, so we are looking forward to her continuing her great work with us here at Shakespeare Martineau.”

Jayne Gardner, partner and head of debt and asset recovery at Shakespeare Martineau, added: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Paula to the firm.

“Throughout her career, she has built a strong reputation in the debt and asset recovery market and unparalleled knowledge of the Southampton landscape.

“Her excellent, market-leading expertise will be a real asset to our team and clients as we look to enhance, grow and cement our offering in the Central South region.”