A&O Shearman deals with a variety of governance matters, particularly those relating to listed companies, including AGM preparation, annual reporting advice, investor relations, and stakeholder management. David Broadley and Seth Jones lead the practice. Broadley routinely guides boardrooms on executive leadership changes, activist investor attacks and sensitive disclosure decisions. Jones is a reputed M&A lawyer and is a key contact for public companies, international corporates and financial investors. Other standout members of the team include Matthew Townsend, who leads on environmental and climate law matters; Claire Coppel, who frequently assists in shareholder activism matters; and Victoria Rankmore and Kate Astley, who both specialise in AGM and annual reporting advice. 2025 saw the departure of Richard Browne alongside the arrivals of Mahesh Varia from Travers Smith LLP and George Knighton from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A knowledgeable, responsive team who are always a reassuring presence on a call and really go the extra mile.’
‘Experts in corporate governance.’
‘Kate Astley and Victoria Rankmore are both excellent - they are highly responsive and provide clear, practical and value-adding advice.’
‘The team provide broad support to help us on a day-to-day basis and on projects.’
‘Thorough, practical, responsive, timely.’
‘Their input helps us improve our processes and think ahead for future years to improve and lift the standard of corporate governance in the UK.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Victoria Rankmore
George Knighton
Practice head
David Broadley; Seth Jones
Other key lawyers
George Knighton; Dominic Morris; Matthew Townsend; Mahesh Varia; Claire Coppel; Victoria Rankmore; Kate Astley