City firm Stephenson Harwood says talks over a proposed merger with Taylor Wessing are unaffected by a change in leadership.
The firm announced this week that chief executive Eifion Morris will step down on 31 December for personal reasons and be replaced by James Linforth.
Morris will remain with the firm as a partner and continue in an advisory role.
It emerged this month that Stephenson Harwood was in talks with Taylor Wessing about creating a full integrated firm. Partners were reportedly set to vote by the end of this year ahead of a potential merger in May 2027. Taylor Wessing became an independent European firm in June, following the UK arm’s merger with US firm Winston & Strawn.
The firm said that in spite of the executive change, its strategy, priorities, and commitment to international growth remain unchanged, including the ongoing discussions regarding the proposed merger with Taylor Wessing.
Morris, who joined the firm in 2008 and moved into his current role in 2019, said: ‘It has been an honour to serve as chief executive, and I am proud of everything our team has achieved together. Stephenson Harwood has significant opportunities ahead and I look forward to working with James over the coming months to ensure a successful transition.’
Linforth is the firm’s global head of banking and finance and a real estate finance lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience. He joined Stephenson Harwood as an associate in 2003.
He said: ‘Stephenson Harwood has a strong platform, a distinctive culture and exceptional people. I am committed to building on those strengths, delivering outstanding client service and helping the firm continue to grow and succeed.’
According to the most recently published annual accounts, covering the year ended April 2025, revenue at Stephenson Harwood increased by 18% to £307.8m, while pre-tax profit jumped by 32% to £119.6m. Headcount had moved past 1,000, with 213 members. The share of profit allocated to the member with the largest entitlement to profits doubled to £2.6m.
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