Shepherd and Wedderburn announces partner promotions

Katie Russell and Caroline Shand become partners at leading UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn, further strengthening its position in Employment and in the Real Estate and Infrastructure sector. Reflecting the firm’s continuous growth, the promotions take the firm’s number of partners to 80.

Having trained at Shepherd and Wedderburn, Katie Russell spent over six years working in the City of London before returning to the firm three years ago. Katie is dual qualified and an experienced adviser, supporting clients on employment matters across the UK and globally. Recently, she has spearheaded the employment practice’s international activities, working with clients in the UK and abroad, who have an international or mobile workforce. She sits on the firm’s international committee and, together with Shepherd and Wedderburn’s International Arbitration practice, Katie co-authored the Going Global Guide to Employment, a six-part publication advising organisations on international employment issues. She also acts as editor of the European Employment Update for the World Services Group, a global professional services membership network of which Shepherd and Wedderburn is a founding member.

Katie, who advises across a range of sectors, and has particular expertise in financial sector remuneration, a niche in the Scottish market, commented: “Shepherd and Wedderburn is a fantastic firm to work for. I am looking forward to continuing my work there, advising great clients and working with great people.”

Caroline Shand joined Shepherd and Wedderburn’s leading Real Estate and Infrastructure practice through the firm’s acquisition of Scottish firm Tods Murray in October last year. She advises on all aspects of real estate matters, with particular expertise in institutional investment, commercial development, landlord and tenant matters and property financing. Dual qualified in both Scots and English law, Caroline regularly works on the Scottish side of cross-border portfolio acquisitions and financing deals alongside English lead counsel. Her experience of working in both jurisdictions gives her the ability to readily understand and deal with issues in a consistent manner.

Caroline, who acts for a wide variety of investors and lenders, recently advised a major bank on the Scottish real estate aspects of the financing of a UK hotel portfolio where the value of the Scottish assets amounted to circa £49 million. She also acted alongside lead English Counsel on the acquisition of a student accommodation portfolio, including five Scottish properties, with an overall value of around £1.1 billion.

She said: “It is a real privilege to be in a position that allows me to advise and help a diverse range of clients achieve their objectives. I look forward to helping them and the firm grow over the coming years.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Chief Executive, Stephen Gibb said: “Katie and Caroline have excellent reputations in their areas of expertise and an unwavering commitment to our clients. As partners they will continue to strengthen their respective practice areas and contribute to the strong growth the firm has been achieving.”