Susanna Stanfield > Withers LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The Cambridge office of Withers LLP serves as its main UK hub for work in the technology and life sciences sector, which encompasses advice to established healthcare and tech businesses, start-ups and market disruptors, venture capital investors, family offices, charities, and university spin-outs in the local Cambridge ecosystem and around the world. ‘The team is brilliant and we feel like we’re always in safe hands‘, remarks one client. Lead partner Susanna Stanfield and senior associate Mary Harley are the key contacts in Cambridge, where IP specialist Richard Penfold, global head of venture capital James Shaw and other VC partners frequently work. Stanfield recently advised Molten Ventures on its £5m investment into Zaptic.

Covering early-stage investment rounds, high-value equity investments, and complex corporate restructuring, the Withers LLP team has a ‘good handle of various sectors’, demonstrating significant strength in the AI and biotech spheres. Splitting his time between London and Cambridge, the practice is headed up by James Shaw, who specialises in assisting start-ups, primarily in the environmental biology arena. Also based in Cambridge, Susanna Stanfield is an expert on spin-outs and venture capital issues, while Sarah Melaney concentrates on scaleups and exits. Phil Robinson acts on both the company and investor sides. Neil Jones is also recommended. All lawyers are London-based unless otherwise stated.