Browne Jacobson strengthens Commercial and Technology offering with EY Law Partner hire

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has announced the appointment of Colette Withey as Partner to its Commercial and Technology team. Colette joins from EY Law where she led the UK Commercial & Digital Law team. 

This is the latest move by Browne Jacobson to bolster its growing team, hiring seven new partners since April. Colette joins the ranks of new partners who have recently joined from EY Law, Shoosmiths, Eversheds and Bristows. The appointment reinforces a continued investment in its Commercial and Technology team, recognising an increased demand in the market. She joins a growing Corporates sector team based in the North West. 

Colette brings exceptional expertise from two decades advising on complex, high-value commercial arrangements and large-scale projects across manufacturing, industrials, real estate, consumer and retail sectors. Her work spans collaborations, product development, distribution, outsourcing and supply chain transformation, often across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks. She is adept in advising on business agreements, intellectual property, technology, data privacy, supply chain transformation and regulatory compliance. 

Previously a partner at EY Law and Addleshaw Goddard, she has also served as Interim General Counsel for an infrastructure business, giving her deep insight into how legal teams can best support operational and strategic goals. 

Colette commented: "I'm thrilled to be joining a firm that has such a strong reputation for client service, sector expertise and commitment to inclusion. Building inclusive teams and putting the client at the heart of everything has always been central to how I work, and I'm excited to join a firm where those values are embedded in the culture. I look forward to working with the team to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients." 

Mark Daniels, Head of Commercial and Partner at Browne Jacobson, commented: “We're very happy to welcome Colette as Partner. She has a valuable ability to turn legal challenges into commercial advantage. Clients trust her to cut through complexity and deliver outcomes that support long-term growth. Whether it's business agreements, IP, technology, or supply chain transformation, she brings clarity, pace, and extremely pragmatic thinking with strong industry knowledge." 

Recent hires include the Head of Employment in Ireland Marie-Claire Scullion from Eversheds, AI and Life Sciences Partner Chris Holder from Bristows, and Real Estate Partner Susan Kemp from Shoosmiths.