Global law firm Ashurst announces that Karen Davies has been re-elected as Global Chair of the firm for a second term, effective 1 August 2025.
Paul Jenkins, Global CEO commented: “On behalf of the partnership, I am delighted to congratulate Karen on her re-appointment as Global Chair. Over the past four years, Karen has demonstrated strong leadership in her role, and a deep commitment to our clients and our people. Her ability to Chair the firm while maintaining a thriving practice is exceptional, and I’m confident that under Karen’s continued guidance as Chair, our firm will continue to go from strength to strength. Karen and I will continue to work closely together to deliver outstanding results for our clients, our people and the firm.”
Continuing in the role as Global Chair, Karen has outlined several key areas where she plans to build on the firm’s achievements during her second term. This includes leveraging Ashurst’s strengths and addressing emerging opportunities, ongoing focus on Ashurst’s clients, driving meaningful transformation through innovation and technology, and delivering for Ashurst’s people and its communities through sustainable and inclusive practices. “It is a privilege to be Ashurst’s Global Chair, and I’m excited to be starting a second term”, said Karen Davies. “The strength of our firm lies in our talented people, our collaborative culture and our unwavering commitment to delivering for our clients. Together with the Board, Paul and the Executive team, and our global partnership and people, we will continue to build on our achievements and drive the firm forward.”
Karen Davies has served on the firm’s Board since 2017, taking over the role as Global Chair in 2021. She is one of the City’s leading M&A lawyers and has been a partner in Ashurst’s Corporate practice since 2012. Her leadership and management roles, combined with her successful practice, have been instrumental to the firm’s growth.
The Board will continue to comprise Global Chair Karen Davies (London), Global CEO Paul Jenkins (Sydney/London), partners Phil Breden (Sydney), Lynn Dunne (London), David Jones (London), Kylie Lane (Melbourne), Carloandrea Meacci (Milan) and CFO, Mark Herbert (London), and independent Board members, Robin Lawther, CBE and Wu Gang. Ashurst is a leading global law firm with over 450 partners and a further 1,800 plus lawyers working across 11 different time zones. The firm’s in-depth understanding of its clients and commitment to providing exceptional standards of service has seen it become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments on all areas of commercial law.
Ashurst has 31 offices in 18 countries and offers the reach and insight of a global firm, combined with the knowledge and understanding of local markets. As a global team, Ashurst has a reputation for successfully managing large and complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, disputes and projects and delivering integrated solutions that provide strategic value for clients.
The firm’s people are its greatest asset and bring together global teams of experts across legal, risk consulting and NewLaw to deliver end-to-end solutions and provide the incisive advice clients need. Our focus is on getting to the heart of clients’ commercial goals and on striving to go beyond matters of the law to deliver practical, holistic solutions. About Ashurst Risk Advisory Ashurst Risk Advisory is law firm Ashurst’s consultancy business. Launched in Australia in 2020 and expanded into the UK in 2022 and then into Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2024, the 100 strong team of highly experienced, specialist risk consultants, provide integrated and holistic solutions to clients navigating the complexities of conducting businesses globally. With offerings aligned to financial services regulation, workplace health and safety, ESG and sustainability, data and analytics and cyber and strategic risk, the global team help to guide clients through their most important opportunities and challenges.
Ashurst Risk Advisory Pty Ltd (ABN 74 996 309 133), Ashurst Risk Advisory LLP (company number OC442883), Ashurst Risk Advisory LLP in Dubai (registered number 8954) and Ashurst Risk Advisory in Abu Dhabi (registered number 21457) provide services under the Ashurst Risk Advisory brand. Ashurst Risk Advisory services do not constitute legal services or legal advice, and are not provided by legal practitioners acting in that capacity.
