Russell McVeagh welcomes special counsel, senior associates back home

The returning lawyers recorded stints overseas with leading globals

Russell McVeagh welcomes special counsel, senior associates back home
Louise Taylor, Isaac Manase, Petra Carey, Natalie Steur, Sarah Desourdy Hastings, Greg Neill

Russell McVeagh has announced the return of a group of senior lawyers to the firm in the roles of special counsel and senior associates.

“We're pleased that these talented alumni have chosen to return to our firm – it's particularly rewarding to know that many began their legal careers here and following time away gaining international experience, have each made the decision to continue their successful careers with us,” CEO Jo Avenell said.

Louise Taylor joins the firm’s technology team as special counsel, bringing to the table more than two decades of specialist knowledge. She focuses on technology contracts and projects, tackling business critical projects related to the supply of core technology solutions, infrastructure and services.

She has assisted clients on regulatory compliance matters, and aims to provide guidance in capitalising on the potential benefits of AI and emerging tech. She has practised in the UK, where she has also spoken on tech trends such as AI, the internet of things, cloud/fog computing, quantum computing and drones.

Sarah DeSourdy Hastings kicked off her legal career as a summer clerk at Russell McVeagh, and now makes her return to the firm as a senior associate on the banking and finance team. She recorded a significant run with Allen & Overy in London, where she was part of the international capital markets practice.

She has worked on structured finance deals on behalf of banks and asset managers. 

Petra Carey joins the competition/public law and regulation team at Russell McVeagh after more than a decade working in various industries on complex competition and regulatory matters. She has practised across UK and Europe in addition to her experience in New Zealand.

She spent more than six years at Clifford Chance’s London office before shifting to a role as competition counsel for a major technology private equity firm.

Isaac Manase returns to Russell McVeagh after a four-year stint in London with Slaughter and May. He brings a wealth of experience in matters involving M&A, private equity, overseas investments and joint ventures to Russell McVeagh’s corporate advisory group.

While in the UK, he worked with clients on significant cross-border and domestic deals. He has also provided advice on various general corporate issues.

Natalie Steur re-joins Russell McVeagh’s property and construction team as a senior associate. She spent the past nine years practising in London with firms like Addleshaw Goddard LLP.

She focuses on commercial acquisitions and divestments, development agreements and pre-lets, as well as real estate M&A. Nonetheless, she has experience across all aspects of property law, especially complex and structured real estate matters.

Earlier this month, Russell McVeagh also announced the return of veteran tax lawyer Greg Neill to the firm as partner.

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