Coffin Mew boosts corporate with Penningtons former group head

The highest-profile capture is that of Philip Stephenson, the former head of corporate at Penningtons. Stephenson joined Penningtons as a partner in 2005 and became head of corporate in 2008. His practice focuses on M&A, joint ventures, start-ups and venture capital work.

Partner Jonathan Lupton has also joined Coffin Mew, from Hull-based Carrick Read where he qualified as a partner in 2007.

At Carrick Read he focused solely on insolvency-related matters, in particular advisory and asset recovery work in bankruptcies, liquidations, voluntary arrangements and administrations.

Solicitor Eddie Reynolds has joined Coffin Mew’s wealth management team, where he will provide estate and tax planning advice for high net worth clients. He will work the firm’s corporate team on issues relating to private tax matters.

Coffin Mew’s chief executive, Vincent Denham, said: “These appointments are key recruitments for our business strategy and further demonstrates our commitment to the development of the firm by raising the bar on our service delivery, sector expertise, client focus and profile within the region.”

Commenting on the departure of Stephenson, a spokesman for Penningtons said: “Philip left by mutual agreement after being with us for seven years, and we’re happy to wish him the very best in the future. Corporate is one of our core areas. It’s a long-term commitment for us as a business and we expect to see growth in the area.”

Stephenson has been replaced by corporate head Simon Bickerdike.