In its largest ever round of partner promotions, Bristol-headquartered law firm Burges Salmon has appointed 10 new partners across a number of key sectors and specialisms.
The firm said the move reflected its ambitious strategy for growth in areas spanning technology, fintech, transport, corporate tax, family law & divorce, public procurement, defence and nuclear.
The appointments, which take effect on May 1, will bring the firm’s total number of partners to 107 as it reinforces its continued focus on delivering an exceptional service to its clients. 
The partner promotions are:
Lucy Pegler, who advises on a range of technology, data protection, cyber security and outsourcing matters. She has in-depth sector experience with a particular focus on the transport, public and healthcare sectors. As a member of the firm’s technology transactions group, Lucy’s experience covers advising public and private sector organisations on business critical outsourcings, technology procurement and software licensing, and advising central government departments on complex and high profile data protection matters.
Martin Cook, who joined the firm as its head of fintech at the beginning of 2021. A technology and financial services lawyer, Martin has previously held General Counsel roles at a number of leading international fintech companies. A member of Burges Salmon’s financial services sector and technology transactions group, Martin’s interest and experience ranges from working with significant global corporates and financial institutions on their innovation and technology transactions programmes through to supporting emerging companies on their growth journey.
David Varney advises on a range of data protection, cybersecurity, technology, complex outsourcing and intellectual property matters for clients across a number of sectors, including technology, financial services, media, retail and energy. He advises extensively on data protection, e-privacy and GDPR issues alongside his technology transaction practice. He co-leads Burges Salmon’s platform – its dedicated and innovative offering for high-growth companies in the technology sector – and is a member of the firm’s technology transactions group.
Brian Wong specialises in transport, regulatory and public law. His experience includes complex dispute resolution including expertise in mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, in regulatory tribunal hearings and proceedings at the European Court of Justice and at every level of the domestic courts. Brian chairs the firm’s transport technology and intelligent mobility group.
Hilary Barclay joined the firm two years ago and has considerable experience of a broad range of corporate tax matters. She has particular expertise in corporate and financing transactions, reorganisations and group tax advice.
Richard Handel specialises in advising high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals on divorce and family related matters. His focus is on complex financial settlements and asset protection, including pre and post-marital agreements. Richard’s cases often involve international elements and where clients have assets held in corporate or trust structures. He also advises on arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship.
James Horton’s expertise is in complex engineering and infrastructure projects for a variety of sectors including energy, utilities and defence. He acts for all client types including procuring bodies, funders, investors, developers as well as technology and equipment vendors and has particular experience advising European developers on energy projects.
Jessica Evans specialises in contentious construction and engineering matters and has advised on a number of complex engineering, and PFI disputes, particularly in the energy, waste and infrastructure sectors. She has extensive experience advising both public and private sector clients in respect of the avoidance and/or resolution of their complex contractual or professional negligence disputes.
Laura Wisdom specialises in public procurement law and commercial projects, with a focus on complex public sector projects and transport-led regeneration. She has advised public and private sector clients on all aspects of procurement and contracting for major projects in the UK and internationally, including designing procurement strategies and drafting and negotiating a broad range of tender and contract documentation.
Ian Truman is an expert in the field of nuclear regulation and international nuclear law. His work in this area has included advising clients in the UK, UAE, Canada, Poland and Africa. In particular, he is well known for his advice on the commercial and regulatory arrangements for Small Modular Reactors. Ian is also a highly regarded UK environmental lawyer and continues to work in that field in nuclear and other sectors.
Burges Salmon managing partner Roger Bull said: “It is particularly gratifying to be able to announce a record number of partner promotions at the firm, which very much emphasises our ambitious growth plans as a business, but also reflects the progress we are making in a number of key areas of strategic focus.
“Each individual is an exceptionally talented lawyer and will have a vital role to play in fulfilling our vision of being the market-leading independent UK law firm, that provides the best proposition for its people and its clients.”
Burges Salmon employs 800 people in its Bristol HQ and London and Edinburgh offices.
