Stephenson Harwood advises across key sectors including private capital, technology, healthcare, insurance, maritime, ESG, and energy transition. The firm is particularly noted for the strategic legal support it provides to early-stage tech companies. Practice head Tom Platts is commended as a ‘standout lawyer’ and has successfully expanded the firm’s Southeast Asia M&A practice, advising on major deals across sectors including TMT, healthcare, energy transition, and infrastructure. Jonathan Goacher is another key figure noted for expertise in regulated sectors, notably the insurance market,
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Tom Platts is a standout lawyer in Asia. He is very well-connected, technically excellent, always available and very good value for money. He is our go-to lawyer and is head and shoulders above his competition.’
- ‘Attention to detail and willing to take the time to explain foreign legal concepts.’
- ‘Solid communications and efficient.’
- ‘Tom Platts is smart, practical and affable, a joy to work with.’
- ‘Great value and quality service.’
- 'Suzanne Johnston is hands-on, gives clear and practical advice, and is a pleasure to work with. With both Suzanne and Tom, it is noticeable that they seem to create a good atmosphere for their team to work in, and with.'
Key clients
- S&P Global
- Iluma Alliance
- Cyan Renewables
- Seraya Partners
- FPE Capital
- Finnfund
- New Forest
- KFin Technologies Limited
- FazWaz
- Peak Energy
Work highlights
Advised S&P Global on the acquisition of Green Power Conferences Limited.
Advised Cyan Renewables on its acquisition of MMA Offshore.
Advised KFin Technologies Limited on its US$34.7 million acquisition of a 51% stake in Ascent Fund Services.
Practice head
Tom Platts
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Goacher; Suzanne Johnston