Ashurst‘s governance and compliance practice covers an array of matters related to listed company, board, and shareholder governance, including shareholder activism, ESG, disclosure, public M&A, corporate regulatory investigations, remuneration and data protection matters. Will Chalk heads up the practice and advises on all issues related to directors’ duties, governance, reporting, ESG and compliance issues. Other standout features of the team include Rhiannon Webster, who assists on data privacy and cybersecurity matters; Eleanor Reeves, whose expertise lies in ESG risk and disclosure; Lorraine Johnston, a key contact for clients in the retail and private banking spaces; and Ruby Hamid, who focuses on financial crime and corporate investigations. Former practice co-head Robert Hanley departed the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is fantastic. Very knowledgeable in their given areas. Strong strength in depth within the team. No task or deadline is too big.’
‘Will Chalk is very impressive as a partner. Very knowledgeable, very personable. Understands the client, tracks the client's external communications and makes us feel like we are his only client which is a fantastic experience as a client.'
'Louise Johnson is strong and willing to go above and beyond. Very knowledgeable and has a great work ethic.’
‘They are proper thinkers who give advice based on what they think is right, not based on what you may necessarily want to hear. So, you can trust what they say!’
‘I work most closely with Will Chalk, Eleanor Reeves and Becky Clissmann, all of whom are immensely knowledgeable in their fields, generous with their time and intellect, and leaders in their fields.’
‘Will Chalk is a leading lawyer in the corporate governance space - he brings pragmatic but well-considered opinions, leveraging client insight and industry knowledge’
Key clients
- boohoo Group plvc
- Xpansiv Limited
- The British Land Company
- Oxford Instruments
- Beazley
- Halma PLC
- EnQuest PLC
- Vedanta
- QinetiQ
- Mobico
- Renewi PLC
- Carrs Group PLC
Work highlights
Advised boohoo group plc against campaigns brought by activist shareholders requisitioning shareholder meetings to effect changes to their strategy and boards.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Will Chalk
Other key lawyers
Rhiannon Webster; Florian Drinhausen; Eleanor Reeves; Lorraine Johnston; Ruby Hamid; Tom Mercer; Louise Johnson; Becky Clissmann