Weightmans bolsters London position with several major new hires

Philip Tracey has joined the top 40 law firm as a partner in casualty insurance. A specialist in sports-related liability work, Philip’s expertise lies in employers' public and product liability, as well as advising insurers on catastrophic injury claims. He is now instructed on behalf of one of the defendants on the concussion-related litigation being pursued against the national governing bodies by former professional and amateur rugby and football players. Philip is joined by his colleague, Stephanie Wilson, as a principal associate. Stephanie is an experienced insurance and sports litigator and regulatory lawyer and defends national sports governing bodies, sports clubs and individuals.

Other significant appointments to the London office include Alain Orengo as a consultant in the specialty team, bringing with him over 20 years’ experience in defending professional indemnity claims and dealing with professional regulatory disputes or disciplinary inquiries before regulatory bodies; and fellow consultant, Steve Phillips, who boasts over 30 years’ experience of handling occupational disease claims, specialising in claims for asbestos-related disease.

Located on Fenchurch Street, in the capital’s historic business district, Weightmans’ London office employs over 250 people, operating across the UK and internationally and offering a complete range of legal services to businesses and individuals. In a strategic move to bolster the workforce and drive innovation, the recent hires signal the start of a further recruitment drive for the office in 2024, which is actively seeking partners in its insurance segment.

Philip Tracey, partner, who is Legal 500 listed, said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Weightmans. I have always been impressed by the firm’s professional, client-focused approach, its excellent reputation as an employer and success in its chosen markets. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the table and contribute to the office’s continued growth trajectory.”

Andrew Cromby, partner and regional head of the London office, said:

“2024 will see Weightmans continuing to grow, consolidating its London presence and building on the practices of the impressive lateral hires which the firm has attracted. As well as remaining on the lookout for strong talent to join the firm, we will continue to grow internally and look to cement our position in London as a leading, full-service practice.”

The news comes after the firm’s newly-launched digital transformation and cybersecurity consulting business, CyXcel, last month announced two significant hires, also based at the London office – Hamish Singh, who joins as partner, and Sasha Henry, as senior managing consultant.

In the same month, Weightmans was recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for the 17^th year in a row – ranked in the top 10 for its outstanding people-centric policies and practices that have created a positive workplace environment.  

In 2023, the London office further strengthened Weightmans’ reach and capability overseas with the hire of the Pierre Thomas Law team, a specialist provider of legal advice regarding international personal injury claims and the defense of accident claims throughout Europe.