Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its corporate finance practice, and life sciences and technology sector capabilities, with the arrival of Kristian Shearsby as partner in its London office.

Shearsby is a corporate lawyer who specialises in the life sciences and technology sectors. He advises businesses on a broad range of matters across all stages of their development – from early-stage to publicly listed companies – including venture capital investments, private mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, equity capital markets, joint ventures and general corporate advisory work. Shearsby joins the firm from Mills & Reeve, where he was head of London corporate.

"Kristian's arrival demonstrates our commitment to growing our expertise in the life sciences and technology sectors, two of the firm's five key areas of focus," said Tom Nicholls, head of Stephenson Harwood's corporate practice. "Kristian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge working on a variety of significant transactions which complements our existing capabilities and enables us to enhance the way we support our clients. His addition is an important step in the development of our corporate finance team."

"Our lawyers understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the life sciences sector," said Alexandra Pygall, partner and head of life sciences, Stephenson Harwood. "Expanding our expertise to meet the growing needs of our clients in the sector is a priority, and adding a lawyer with Kristian's transactional experience reflects that commitment."

Stephenson Harwood’s international corporate practice acts for listed and private companies, international banks, private equity houses and management teams across a broad range of industries, including consumer, technology, life sciences and transportation. In the life sciences sector, the group works with a wide range of clients including: pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical device and diagnostic companies, manufacturers, distributors and logistics companies, investors, banks and financial institutions.