Latham & Watkins has appointed corporate lawyer Ed Barnett as the new managing partner of its London office.

Barnett’s appointment is effective immediately and he has succeeded Stephen Kensell, who took over as office managing partner in March 2020 and will retire from practice at the end of the year. The duo will work together in the coming weeks, with commercial litigator Andrea Monks to continue as the office’s deputy managing partner.

“London is a significant market for the firm and represents a central pillar of our global strategy,” said Rich Trobman, chair and managing partner of Latham & Watkins. “Ed brings a wealth of experience, commercial acumen and impeccable judgement to the role. He is widely respected in the City and is one of the top M&A lawyers in Europe. He and Andrea will continue to advance the firm’s strategic priorities in this vibrant and exciting growth market.”

Barnett joined the firm in 2017 from legacy Allen & Overy, where he had practised for more than 20 years. A former global co-chair of Latham’s M&A practice, he has advised clients including Nvidia, TotalEnergies and Meta on major deals. Earlier this year he also advised Manchester United when petrochemicals billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club through his INEOS conglomerate. 

“It’s an exciting time for the continued growth of our practice in the City, and I am delighted to take on this role at the firm,” Barnett said. “We are indebted to Stephen for his outstanding leadership and we remain focused on building our market-leading London practice.” 

Latham’s London office has grown partner headcount by 40% under Kensell’s leadership and now stands at more than 140. Capital markets heavyweight Mark Austin CBE joined last September from Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer, with more recent joiners including M&A partner Melanie Howard from Baker McKenzie and a trio of partners Latham hired from Cahill in May to bolster its sponsor-side finance practice in the City. 

The London office has nearly 500 lawyers in total, making it the largest US law firm in the UK by headcount, and in 2023 grew revenue 7% to £588m according to Legal Cheek. Meantime global revenue in 2023 stood at $5.69bn – the second highest globally – while profit per equity partner was $5.5m, double that of most Magic Circle firms.  

Kensell, who also previously served as global vice chair of Latham’s banking practice, said: “The last few years at Latham have been among the most rewarding of my career, and I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved in the City. Ed and Andrea will continue to lead the office to great heights. Their drive, team-first mindset and dedication embody the best of Latham’s culture. We are extremely well positioned to continue growing in London.” 

Trobman thanked Kensell “for his innumerable contributions to the firm, the London office and our clients”.