Changes in Reconstruction and Insolvency team at SJ Berwin

6 June 2006

European law firm SJ Berwin today announced that after 13 years service as a partner at SJ Berwin, Head of Reconstruction and Insolvency Stephen Maffey has decided that for family reasons he wishes to return home to Australia.

Stephen Maffey has made a huge contribution to SJ Berwin's success, building the firm's European Reconstruction and Insolvency team to six partners and 20 associates. He also served as a member of the firm's Strategy Committee, helping to steer SJ Berwin through a period of pronounced growth. The firm announced 14% growth in revenues in the last financial year to £215m.

In a further announcement, SJ Berwin confirmed that Jeremy Goldring will be joining the firm as a partner in its Reconstruction and Insolvency department as of 1 July 2008. Jeremy joins the firm from Baker & McKenzie, where he was an insolvency partner in the London office, with a co-ordination role in European and UK insolvency issues.

Jeremy will further strengthen SJ Berwin's pan-European Reconstruction and Insolvency practice, which was recently augmented by the arrival of Nicholas Theys in Paris. Jeremy will work with Mike Woollard in the London office.

Jonathan Blake, senior partner of SJ Berwin, said:

"Stephen's decision to return home to Australia is one we fully understand and we wish him and his young family all the very best. We will certainly miss the energy and creativity he has shown in building our pan-European Reconstruction and Insolvency team and as a member of our firmwide leadership.

We are delighted that Jeremy Goldring is joining the team. He is a first rate lawyer with a track record of working at the top of his field. With Jeremy on board we are confident that we will continue to build this important practice area in the years ahead."

Stephen Maffey said:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at SJB. It is a fantastic firm and I am immensly proud of what has been achieved over the past 13 years. I leave to face a new challenge in Sydney knowing the firm will continue to thrive. Jeremy will be a valuable addition to work alongside Mike Woollard and the R&I team in London."

Jeremy Goldring said:

"SJ Berwin has a wealth of experience in its international team. Stephen Maffey and the other five reconstruction and insolvency partners have built an impressive platform. I'm looking forward to joining the team and developing the business further, in an environment rich with opportunity."