LONDON – Michelman Robinson has officially launched its first international office in London, marking a major milestone in the firm’s global strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-impact, business-first legal counsel across the UK and Europe.
The move reflects MR’s focus on strategic, commercially grounded lawyering – designed to help clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic financial and legal markets.
With a multi-disciplinary team now operational in London, the firm will grow rapidly over the next 12 months to advise on matters across disputes, restructuring, corporate law, finance, insurance, aviation, employment, ESG, technology, and IP.
Already in full operation, the London office is actively advising clients across sectors, signalling both immediate capability and long-term commitment.
“London is not only a gateway to international markets, but also a stage on which our brand of strategic, business-first lawyering can truly shine,” said Sanford Michelman, Chairman and Co-Founder of the firm. “This move is entirely client-driven. We’ve listened, and now we’re here.”
The London office, operated by MR’s affiliate Michelman & Robinson UK LLP, has marked its entry to the UK market with the arrival of an elite corporate crime and investigations group including Ruth Paley, John Gibson, and directories-ranked team Polly Sprenger and Lily Dou.
This group brings deep experience from senior roles in law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority, as well as long-standing careers at the criminal Bar. Their arrival marks a significant step in the firm’s strategy to build a high-calibre, multi-disciplinary team in London – one designed to meet rising demand for international expertise and deliver sector-shaping legal counsel.
The team is supported by associates Charlotte Moss, Ross Lennox, Alice Mills, Lizzy Williams and Patrick Lloyd.
MR’s expansion into London is part of a broader strategy to build a transatlantic platform that combines deep sector expertise with commercial agility. The firm, founded in Los Angeles in 1999, has grown steadily across the U.S. and is known for its business-minded approach in sectors including financial services, advertising and digital media, hospitality, insurance, music, aviation, and technology.
This forward-looking mindset is also reflected in the firm’s development of its closed-network AI platform – a clear demonstration of MR’s foresight in harnessing technology to benefit clients and lawyers alike.
“Our presence in London signals more than growth; it signals intent,” Michelman added. “We’re building a global platform equipped for modern legal challenges and positioning our clients – current and future – to always be three moves ahead.”
Further strategic hires are expected in the coming months as MR continues to expand its footprint at Norton Folgate, 16 Blossom Street, Spitalfields.