Browne Jacobson accelerates London growth with dual partner hire as part of UK & Ireland strategy

Browne Jacobson has appointed Christian Major and Phil James as Partners in its London office, bringing two heavyweight hires to the firm's real estate investment and data protection, AI and cybersecurity practices as it continues to build serious momentum in the capital.

The appointments are part of the firm's strategic drive to develop interconnected practices across its UK & Ireland network, enabling the firm to serve the needs of businesses across the UK, Ireland and internationally. 

Christian joins from K&L Gates, where he has built a career advising investors and developers on sophisticated real estate transactions across the UK. Recognised as a Leading Partner for real estate in The Legal 500 UK, he has also established a "go-to" practice for corporate occupiers, acting for finance houses, technology companies and fashion brands on complex headquarter establishments, operations and expansion.

Phil joins from Eversheds Sutherland as Head of UK Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity, and will co-lead Browne Jacobson's International Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity group. With over 25 years' experience, he is a widely recognised expert in data protection, cybersecurity, AI and fraud prevention, advising clients on the most complex global and domestic privacy challenges.

Declan Cushley, Partner and Head of the firm's London office, said: "Christian and Phil are exactly the calibre of lawyer we're bringing into London right now. These aren't just strong hires, they're statement hires. Both are leaders in their fields, both are here because they see what we're building, and both significantly raise our game in areas where client demand is fierce."

Christian Major: Real Estate Investment

Christian's practice spans the full spectrum of real estate investment and occupier work. He advises on acquisitions, disposals, development, leasing and asset management, with particular strength in serving corporate occupiers who need sophisticated, commercial advice on their most important locations.

Rebecca Toates, Head of Real Estate Built Environment Team, commented: "Christian's appointment gives us significant firepower in real estate investment. This is a market where credibility matters, where clients want proven expertise, and where we're now positioned to compete at the highest level. There's more to come."

Christian added: "The firm is building something genuinely exciting in real estate investment, with the backing and strategic vision to become a real force in the market. I'm looking forward to working with clients who demand sophisticated advice on complex transactions and help to grow an industry leading practice.”

Phil James: Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity practice leader

Phil brings deep expertise across the full data lifecycle, from privacy governance and regulatory compliance to cybersecurity incident response and AI deployment. His practice handles the most complex cross-border mandates for clients navigating unprecedented regulatory and technological change, and an ever-increasing need to advise both private and public sector organisations on data governance, risk management, product counselling and commercial data strategy.

Jeanne Kelly, Co-Head of the International Data Group, added: "Phil will work closely with our team in Ireland and across our network, whilst leading our expanded UK data capability. Combined with our existing 25-strong technology and media group in London, we're equipped to tackle the most demanding, multi-jurisdictional data challenges our clients face."

Phil James, who will Co-Head the International Data Group alongside Jeanne, said: "Clients are facing unprecedented data and AI challenges that require integrated, holistic, cross-disciplinary advice. Most importantly, advice that is both innovative and actionable, across constantly changing and overlapping regulatory frameworks, often in multiple jurisdictions. I'm thrilled to help lead this offering and work with some exceptional lawyers across the network."

The London appointments follow the firm's hire 18 months ago of a market-leading technology practice from Ernst & Young, further cementing Browne Jacobson's position as a major player in technology and digital advisory services.

Building momentum

The dual appointment brings Browne Jacobson's lateral partner recruitment in London to six in the past financial year, and 12 across its UK & Ireland network. Other London appointments in the past 12 months include Adam Culy and Adam Berry (Financial Services), Chris Holder (Commercial, Technology and Life Sciences), Danielle Carr (International Litigation) and Bernhard Maier (Arbitration).

Across the network, the firm has also welcomed Marie-Claire Scullion (Head of Employment in Ireland) in Dublin; Matthew Kemp, Su Kemp (Real Estate), and Will Thomas (Real Estate) in Nottingham; and Colette Withey (Commercial and Technology) in Manchester.

The appointments form part of the firm's growth strategy, which has seen three new office openings in as many years, Dublin, Manchester and Cardiff, with the Cardiff team moving into a new 9,500 sq ft permanent office at One Central Square last week following expansion from seven to 40 people.

Richard Medd, Managing Partner, concluded: "We are absolutely committed to growing and developing market-leading capability across our seven-office network. Our ambitions in our newest offices, London, Dublin, Manchester and Cardiff, are particularly strong, and these appointments demonstrate our determination to build interconnected practices that can serve our clients' needs wherever they do business, across the UK & Ireland and internationally."