Stephens Scown is delighted to announce that James Holdgate will rejoin the firm as Partner in our Corporate team from 1 September.
James trained and qualified with Stephens Scown before embarking on a distinguished career advising some of the UK’s best-known entrepreneurs and investors. At Stephens Scown, James built a practice working closely with some of the investors associated with BBC Dragons’ Den. He was subsequently invited to join the Peter Jones Investment Group, where he spent more than 17 years as Peter’s first in-house General Counsel.
During that time, James advised on a wide range of commercial, strategic and investment matters across a diverse group of companies and ventures.
Having always worked away while keeping his family rooted in South Devon, James made the decision earlier this year to relocate his work closer to home. He is excited to return to working for Stephens Scown across the South West.
James’s appointment adds senior muti-disciplinary, cross-sector and jurisdictional in-house experience and entrepreneurial insight to the firm’s commercial services team.
Richard Baker, Managing Partner at Stephens Scown, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that James is returning to Stephens Scown. He trained with us and was an outstanding lawyer from the outset, so it has been a pleasure to watch him go on to build such an impressive career.
“From advising entrepreneurs and some of the investors associated with BBC Dragons’ Den, to spending more than 17 years as General Counsel within the Peter Jones Investment Group, James has developed a rare blend of legal, commercial and board-level experience. He understands the practical realities facing business leaders and the importance of advice that is both technically strong, progressive and commercially valuable.
“James combines excellent legal expertise with strong commercial insight and a real talent for building trusted relationships. We’re excited to welcome him back and know he will be a tremendous asset to our clients, colleagues and the continued growth of our commercial division.”
James Holdgate added:
“I’m delighted to be returning to Stephens Scown, the firm where I trained and began my legal career. Having had an incredible time working with Peter Jones CBE and his Investment Group in such a diverse and demanding role, I’m looking forward to continuing to support high-calibre clients, entrepreneurs and investors supporting Stephens Scown’s corporate and commercial clients and building out my own client base, whilst also enjoying the quality of life that comes with living at home with my family full-time and working in the South West.”