A&O Shearman UK

Coram's new report examines the legal framework for school exclusions and the gaps that affect the rights of children in England. It reveals how vulnerable students are disproportionately impacted and highlights the urgent need for clarity and fairness in exclusion processes.   It was great to be part of the A&O Shearman UK team that provided pro bono legal support in preparing this report. Access to education is fundamental, and we're committed to using our expertise to support organisations in advocating for meaningful change. This collaboration, along with our existing work on the School Exclusions Clinic, reflects our firm's dedication to pro bono work that makes a tangible difference in people's lives. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/ex2EPhEr Aashna Agarwal Josh Wilkins Saleni Pravin Kumar Sarah Michael Sarah Henchoz Sabrina Simpson Amy Price Marianne Lagrue    #SchoolExclusions #AccessToJustice #AOShearman

On Tuesday 9 June, thousands from across our legal community will come together for this year’s London Legal Walk (London Legal Support Trust), raising vital funds for charities providing free legal advice to those who need it most.   Access to justice shouldn't depend on what you can afford, yet for too many people it still does. The organisations supported by the Walk help bridge that gap every day, and it's a privilege to play even a small part in backing their work.   I’m sad to be missing it this year, but I’ll be cheering on our A&O Shearman UK team and friends across the legal community—every step of the way. I know you’ll bring your usual energy and spirit to it!   Huge thanks to everyone taking part, and I’m delighted to be sponsoring the team. If you’d like to support them (or even join in!), you can find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ezzCK8ZG   Go team—you’ve got this 👏 #AOShearman #LondonLegalWalk #AccessToJustice

Developing the skills that shape your career. 🤝 Marcus Turner, senior associate, features in this mini masterclass. He shares his perspective on the capabilities that matter most at the start of a legal career—and how building them early can set you up for long-term success in a dynamic environment. #BelongExcel #AOShearmanEarlyCareersUK

From April 6, 2027, UK inheritance tax will apply to most unused pension funds and death benefit lump sums for the first time. This marks a fundamental shift with far-reaching implications. For trustees, sponsors, and scheme administrators, the changes will affect processes and member communications, creating fresh challenges for compliance and governance. Our latest publication explains what the reforms mean in practice and outlines how schemes can prepare. Read more here: https://ow.ly/V1gt50Z39fy If you would like to discuss how the reforms may affect your scheme or employees, please do get in touch with our Pensions team. #AOShearman #Pensions #InheritanceTax

What underpins investor confidence, competitive markets and the UK’s global reputation for dispute resolution?   As Andrew Denny discusses, it starts with the rule of law—and the consistency, clarity and fairness it brings.   It’s an important conversation and a reminder of why good lawmaking matters in practice, for all of us.   We are pleased to support JUSTICE, an organisation committed to a fair justice system and strengthening the rule of law, which underpins our democracy and is crucial to society as a whole.   #AOShearman #ProBono

This week, at the Old Bailey, together with the Institute of Directors (IoD) and QEB Hollis Whiteman, we brought fraud risk to life in the historic Court Number One. Our mock trial of a fictional FTSE 250 CEO highlighted how quickly routine board processes can be recast as evidence under scrutiny. Three observations stood out: • Poor governance hygiene introduces real risk • Directors should hold each other to account • Individual liability is only part of the picture, given the extension of the “senior manager” test for corporate liability from economic crime offences to include all criminal offences from June of this year, the corporate failure to prevent fraud offence and the increase in shareholder claims. While the setting was extraordinary, the underlying governance risks are entirely familiar. The audience played the part of the jury and narrowly found the defendant guilty. Thank you to the IOD and to our cast of actors: Adrian Darbishire KC, Amy Edwards, Ben FitzGerald KC, Claire Coppel, Eve Giles, Rachna Gokani and Tom Lambert . #AOShearman #CorporateGovernance #CorporateCrime

ReStart, our social impact program—turns ten. We help hundreds of people rebuild confidence and find their next chapter after redundancy, career change, or caregiving. The program strengthens mindset, updates skills, and prepares participants for sustainable employment in a world shaped by AI, longevity, and flexible work. This week, our alumni, volunteers, supporters, and our partners, The Executive Coaching Consultancy, Acrobat Talent, Joanna Rawbone MSc FITOL, and Sarae Pratt ICF PCC—came together to reflect on a decade of stories and shared impact, celebrate the strength of our community, and explore how to keep breaking barriers and creating opportunities. "I am proud that A&O Shearman has played a part in helping individuals regain their self-respect, dignity and hope, and in showing that they can still add value to any employer" said, community investment manager, Sue Wisbey. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with pride and determination to keep proving that experience matters and potential lasts a lifetime. Find out more about our ReStart program: https://ow.ly/GGNW50Z2Fm8 #AOShearman #ReStart #SocialImpact

Adferiad Recovery Limited has purchased North Wales Medical Centre from Blind Veterans UK, in a multi-million-pound transaction, completed on May 12, 2026. We advised on the transaction, which will see the site converted into a state-of-the-art hospital facility to medically detoxify patients aiming to cease their substance or alcohol use, set to open by summer 2026. Emma Willoughby, partner commented: "We are incredibly proud to have supported Adferiad Recovery Limited on this pivotal acquisition. Our continuing relationship with Adferiad is one we value highly, and it has been a real privilege to assist an existing client on a transaction that will help deliver crucial support to people of all generations, including young people, to recover from substance abuse. Supporting clients on matters of real social importance is central to building strong, lasting client relationships, and we are delighted to have played a role in helping Adferiad take this significant step forward.” The team was led by partners Emma Willoughby and Peter Mailer, working alongside senior associates Anthony B. and Emily Fyffe (née Robinson) and associate Saranya Barthe. This transaction was undertaken as a unique pro bono matter, reflecting our commitment to using our legal expertise to support organisations delivering meaningful social impact. Read more: https://ow.ly/KT8c50Z2EQn #AOShearman #ProBono

What does the UK government’s latest move mean for consumer credit lenders? Almost a year after HM Treasury began reforming the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the next steps are clear. The government has published its policy statement, confirmed no second consultation will take place, and set out significant changes: • Unenforceability sanctions are set to go • Prescriptive form and content provisions will be moved to FCA rules • Complex issues such as unfair relationships and connected lender liability remain on hold We assess how this impacts consumer credit lenders in our latest Fintech and Digital Assets blog. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eMBHXiTF #AOShearman #Fintech

James Webber, partner and chemicals sector lead, shared his perspective with the Financial Times on why Europe should exercise caution when pursuing anti-dumping cases against cheap chemical imports. James described anti-dumping cases as a "double-edged sword" as they increase production costs. "In the EU, winners and losers are unevenly balanced. Portugal, for example, could end up paying more for their plastic bottles and polyester and that then feeds into inflation while producers in north-western Europe benefit." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e_Cfm2je *To view this article, you may need to subscribe. #AOShearman #AntiDumping #Chemicals