Commercial law firm Harper James has expanded its corporate law team with the appointment of Lynne Rathbone as Corporate Partner. The addition of Rathbone, who brings 20 years of specialist expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), is part of the firm’s strategic growth plan to meet increasing client demand and double its turnover in the next three years.
Rathbone’s appointment brings Harper James’ corporate law team to 15 members, reinforcing the firm’s ability to offer comprehensive legal support to entrepreneurial businesses. Her wealth of experience spans the full range of corporate matters, from company acquisitions and disposals to private equity investment, strategic projects, and business reorganisations. Rathbone has also led on complex contracts, joint ventures, and succession planning.
Her career highlights include leading major transactions such as a £17 million cross-border sale for an international manufacturer, a £4 million debt release as part of an energy company acquisition, and the restructuring of a £40 million family-owned group with interests in both the UK and overseas. She has also advised on the sale of a UK telecoms group to a PLC and the division and sale of a care home group to two UK providers.
Speaking about her new role at Harper James, Rathbone expressed her enthusiasm for joining the growing firm:
“I am very pleased to have joined the corporate team at Harper James at such an interesting time. I look forward to working with a fantastic group of clients on a variety of corporate transactions, with the support of an incredible team. I’m excited to see Harper James and its clients continue to reach new heights in the future.”
The firm’s Chief Legal Officer and Head of Corporate, Adam Kudryl, welcomed Rathbone’s arrival, noting her experience will play a vital role in the firm’s ongoing expansion:
“We’re happy to welcome Lynne onboard. It was clear from my first meeting with Lynne that she would make a great addition to our team. Her wealth of experience is another step in bolstering our corporate law expertise and will help us to further support our clients’ growth journeys.”
Harper James, known for its commitment to helping entrepreneurial businesses accelerate growth, sees Rathbone’s appointment as part of a broader effort to enhance its corporate services. The firm is positioning itself to provide more robust legal support for businesses navigating acquisitions, investments, and strategic partnerships—key drivers of growth in today’s competitive market.
