Howard Kennedy is pleased to announce the appointment of two high-profile partners to add further strength to its dispute resolution team. Contentious insolvency partner, Crispin Daly, and international arbitration partner Heidrun (Heidi) Walsh join the Commercial Dispute Resolution department.

Crispin joined Monday (7 October) and specialises in complex domestic and cross-border insolvency and litigation matters, representing various stakeholders in both contentious and non-contentious scenarios. He is recognized as a "Rising Star" in the Legal 500 for corporate restructuring and insolvency and is listed in Best Lawyers: Insolvency and Restructuring Ones to Watch in the United Kingdom (2023 and 2024).

Crispin brings his expertise to the firm's expanding Insolvency practice, having previously worked as a Senior Associate at Paul Hastings LLP.

Heidi joined yesterday (8 October) and provides legal counsel and representation in international arbitrations across the major institutions, including ICSID, LCIA, ICC, VIAC, and in ad hoc arbitrations. She has experience in oil and gas, telecommunications, shareholders and investment arbitration disputes.

At Howard Kennedy, she will work with the head of international arbitration, partner Duncan Bagshaw, and partner Arish Barucha to enhance the firm's international arbitration offering. Heidi speaks English, German, and Spanish and will expand the firm's European presence. She has been recognized as a Future Leader in Who's Who Legal: Arbitration and as a Rising Star in Legal 500, 2024.

Heidi joins Howard Kennedy from Mishcon de Reya.

Craig Emden, Managing Partner at Howard Kennedy, says: "We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Heidi and Crispin to our team. Heidi's expertise will significantly enhance our international arbitration team's robust capabilities reinforcing our European presence. In addition, Crispin's extensive experience in insolvency matters arrives at a critical time, aligning with current trends particular in the retail sector, and adding substantial value to our award-winning insolvency practice. Our disputes department has gone from strength to strength and their appointments will only further strengthen the team's outstanding growth."

Crispin Daly, commented, "I am excited to join Howard Kennedy as a new insolvency partner. I will use my experience in insolvency and restructuring to deliver strategic and innovative solutions for our clients, further strengthening the firm's insolvency offering."

Commenting on her appointment, Heidi adds: "Howard Kennedy's reputation and impact in the international arbitration market has grown significantly in the last few years. I'm looking forward to working with Duncan and the team to build on that strong reputation and develop our offering across Europe and beyond."

Heidi and Crispin are the sixth and seventh new partners to join this year. Their appointments are also the 27th and 28th partner appointments since the implementation of the firm's growth plan in May 2021. Their appointment follows the recent additions of Ellis Gardner-Browne a real estate partner and Marc Naidoo a partner in the banking and real estate finance team.