Former Freshfields Senior Partner Edward Braham Knighted in New Year Honours.
Edward Braham, the former senior partner of Freshfields, has been honored with a knighthood for his contributions to corporate law as part of the King’s New Year Honours List.
This recognition is among several accolades awarded to prominent lawyers in the City. Braham held the position of senior partner at Freshfields from 2016 until 2020 and previously led the corporate division of the firm. After retiring in 2022, he took on the role of chair at M&G and serves as a director for TheCityUK, an advocacy group for financial and professional services. He is now part of an exclusive group of City solicitors who have been knighted, which includes Sir Nigel Knowles of DWF and Nigel Boardman of Slaughter & May, among others.
Additionally, James Palmer, the former senior partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, has been awarded a CBE. Currently serving as chair of TheCityUK’s legal services group, Palmer expressed his gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the support of his colleagues at the firm and the wider legal and business community. He also emphasized his appreciation for the unwavering support of his family throughout his career. Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, chair and senior partner at HSF, praised Palmer’s passion and commitment to the law, noting that his efforts have inspired many and significantly enhanced the competitiveness of the UK economy within both the legal sector and the broader business landscape.
He has played a significant role in advancing enhancements in corporate and governance law, takeover regulations, capital markets, and broader financial services law and regulation.
Nevertheless, his interests and involvement extend far beyond these areas. We take pride in honoring this well-earned recognition alongside James. Linklaters’ consultant Vanessa Havard-Williams has been awarded an OBE for her leadership as chair of the Transition Finance Market Review and her contributions to the Export Credit Advisory Group.
She previously led the firm’s global environmental and climate change practice and established its ESG practice, having served as a partner from 1999 to 2023. Ian Karet, a colleague of Havard-Williams at Linklaters and former interim chair of the Charity Commission, was similarly recognized with an OBE for his charitable and public service efforts. Eleanor Sharpston KC, the former EU advocate-general, barrister, and academic, has been honored as a Dame for her contributions to justice and legal education in the UK and Europe. Additionally, Christopher Katowski KC of Kings Chambers in Manchester, a prominent planning silk, received a CBE. Lord Banner KC, a former pupil of Katowski at Landmark Chambers and now at Keating Chambers, commended the award, emphasizing that Katowski’s impact on the “better functioning of our planning regime has largely gone unrecognized and unnoticed.”
Professor Richard Susskind has been recognized with an upgrade to his OBE. The former technology adviser to the Lord Chief Justice, who delivered a speech during this year’s London International Disputes Week, has been awarded a CBE for his contributions to information technology and the legal field. Charles Dhanowa KC (Hon) OBE, the registrar at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, has also been elevated to CBE in recognition of his services to competition law.
This honor comes after a significant year for the CAT, which issued a landmark ruling in the Le Patourel case while navigating the resignation of its previous president, Mr. Justice Smith. Additional accolades include a CBE awarded to former Tribunal Judge Sehba Haroon Storey, the recent principal judge of the Asylum Support Tribunal, for her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, Dana Denis-Smith, a judge for the Women and Diversity in Law Awards and a prominent member of the Law Society Council, has been honored with an OBE.
Edward Braham’s knighthood marks a distinguished milestone in his impactful career within corporate law. His leadership at Freshfields, particularly in the corporate division, has left an indelible mark on the legal industry. This recognition, alongside other recent honors in the legal community, highlights the significant contributions of lawyers in shaping both legal practices and broader industries. Braham’s continued influence in sectors such as financial services and governance further underscores his exceptional legacy. The honor acknowledges not only his professional achievements but also his broader contributions to society and legal innovation, reinforcing the importance of legal leadership in today’s world.
