Hugh James strengthens commercial practice with London partner hire

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Welsh-headquartered law firm Hugh James has expanded its commercial team with the appointment of Jonathan Askin as a partner in its London office.

Askin joins the firm’s Commercial practice with more than 20 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer, including senior leadership positions as Head of Commercial at Top 50 UK law firms.

During his career in private practice, Askin has advised clients ranging from PLCs and multinational corporations to owner-managed businesses and start-ups.

He has also held senior in-house roles, including serving with the UK Government as Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial), where he advised on complex commercial and procurement matters.

His practice focuses on commercial agreements, data protection and business relationships, with sector experience spanning hospitality and leisure, technology, media and entertainment, gaming, manufacturing, retail, travel, rail, sport and the public sector.

He regularly advises organisations on complex commercial arrangements, including supply chain and outsourcing contracts, data and AI governance, and strategic risk allocation.

Askin also brings experience advising on large-scale outsourcing projects involving both central and local government, particularly in relation to procurement and regulatory frameworks.

Aled Walters, Corporate and Commercial Partner and Head of the firm’s Commercial practice, said: “This is a significant appointment for the firm.

“Jonathan strengthens our London commercial capability while supporting our national practice from our Welsh base.

“His experience across private practice, in-house roles and government adds depth to our offering and reflects our focus on building strong, sector-led teams.

“He brings additional strength, depth and credentials to many of our current sector groups, particularly in media & entertainment, gaming, sport, rail, hospitality and leisure, and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”

Jonathan Askin said: “Hugh James has a clear strategy for developing a high-quality, sector-focused commercial offering, and the opportunity to help drive that growth from London was a strong draw.

“I was attracted by the firm’s culture and its commitment to providing practical, commercially focused advice across sectors. I’m looking forward to contributing to that growth and working with teams across the firm.”