Ex-Olswang Reading chief emerges at Steptoe

Marshall Leopold, Olswang’s former Reading managing partner, has resurfaced at US firm Steptoe & Johnson.

Leopold joins the firm’s London office as a corporate partner focusing on the technology sector. He is Steptoe’s fourteenth partner in London.

Steptoe London managing partner Maury Shenk said: “While we’ve had some UK clients it’s not necessarily that easy for someone with my [American] accent and my background to break into it. Marshall adds a great set of UK contacts.”

Leopold joined Olswang three years ago when the firm acquired Garretts’ Reading office. He was the first of the group of eight partners to make equity, while his Thames Valley contacts made him a pivotal figure as Olswang established itself in the region.

Leopold said: “The exciting technology is happening at very large organisations or very small ones. The trouble is finding an economic package that makes sense for those early-stage companies. We believe we have a unique combination of quality legal advice and good value.”