Will Glassey

Herbert Smith Freehills

Nothing is more enticing to readers than a juicy professional negligence story. But the ones go-to defence lawyer Will Glassey are most proud of avoid grabbing headlines.

Hired to make problems disappear, Glassey has spent the past year acting for several legal professionals facing civil claims or regulatory complaints — many of which he made go away quietly.

Recent disputes in the public eye include defending Mishcon de Reya over client account failures before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. He also represented the former head of Pump Court Tax Chambers in a multi-million pound negligence claim relating to a controversial film finance scheme.

Motivating Glassey is the opportunity to help and protect the hard-earned professional reputations of individuals and institutions, while ensuring lawyers remain free to give clients advice without the chilling fear of being penalised in the future.

Last December marked a homecoming for Glassey, returning to Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) 21 years after leaving for Mayer Brown. The move will see him focus less on insurer panel work and more on attracting mandates directly from professional firms and individuals — growing HSF’s regulatory and investigations practice in the process.