Shakespeare Martineau has bolstered its Southampton office with the appointment of insolvency partner Katie James, as part of the firm’s continued expansion.

With over 20 years of experience, Katie joins from Blake Morgan, where she spent nearly a decade advising insolvency practitioners, lenders, creditors, and directors of distressed businesses. Specializing in maximizing recoveries through restructuring, transactions, or litigation, she has been involved in numerous insolvency matters, including administrations, receiverships, company voluntary arrangements, liquidations, and bankruptcies.

Katie’s expertise also spans selling businesses, properties, and assets, as well as pursuing claims related to directors’ loan accounts, misfeasance, and antecedent transactions. Based in Southampton, she will serve clients nationwide, contributing to Shakespeare Martineau’s growing insolvency practice in the Central South.

Katie commented: “I’m excited to join the team at Shakespeare Martineau during this period of growth. The firm’s ambition to develop a strong insolvency practice in the region is in line with my own professional goals, and I look forward to being part of this journey.”

“Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of insolvency practitioners, managing recovery relationships with clearing banks, and more recently collaborating with key players in the insolvency claims purchasing market. I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to Shakespeare Martineau and growing the firm in the South.”

Last April, Shakespeare Martineau secured office space at the University of Southampton Science Park and kick-started its expansion into the Central South market with the appointment of leading corporate partner James Hawkeswood, who is heading up the firm’s local hub, followed by experts in banking and finance.

James said: “We are delighted to welcome Katie to the team. Her wealth of experience in insolvency, particularly in handling complex cases and working with key stakeholders, together with her undoubted enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the Central South.”