Latham & Watkins has hired leading IP litigator Jason Raeburn (pictured) into its London office, as the firm looks to build out its technology and AI offering.
Raeburn, who joins from Paul Hastings, where he spent four years and headed the City IP and tech litigation practice, specialises in leading companies through complex intellectual property disputes arising out of emerging regulation at the intersection of AI and copyright law.
In May, the firm hired a three-partner tech M&A team from Morrison Foerster after it identified AI and tech as an area of relative weakness, someone familiar with the firm’s decision making said.
‘Technology is central to our global strategy and the UK and European markets are critical for the world’s leading technology companies, fast-growth businesses, and entrepreneurs,’ London managing partner Ed Barnett said in a statement on Raeburn’s hire.
In August, Latham hired former Hg GC Samantha McGonigle, who brings particular experience in tech-driven and software-related investments, as an M&A partner.
A Legal 500 next-generation partner for TMT, Raeburn acts on high-value litigation and international arbitrations which often have involve multiple issues across IP, commercial law and regulatory regimes.
As well as technology and AI, Raeburn brings experience in life sciences, and in coordinating strategies across multiple jurisdictions.
‘Jason’s practice sits squarely at the centre of the issues our clients care most about,’ said Sy Damle, global chair of Latham’s copyright practice and vice chair of its AI practice.
‘The EU AI Act is a rising wave of copyright disputes over AI development, and intensifying regulatory enforcement are reshaping the legal landscape in the UK and Europe, and companies need advisers who can navigated litigation, regulation, and policy together.’
Olly Middleton, chair of Latham’s litigation and trial department said: ‘Jason is exactly the kind of lawyer who adds a new dimension to our disputes offering.’
Outside of his private practice, Raeburn sits as a part-time judge in the English High Court as a deputy master of the Chancery Division, the youngest person to be appointed to the role in England & Wales.
For its part, Paul Hastings has hired fund finance partner Mac Campbell, as it continues its buildout in the practice.
Campbell joins from Reed Smith, and his move sees him reunite with fellow fund finance partner Leon Stephenson, who joined from Reed Smith in July.
Campbell advises borrowers, sponsors and lenders on a broad range of debt finance transactions, with particular focus on fund finance as well as other bespoke financing solutions.
The firm has been focussed on bolstering its fund finance capabilities, hiring partners in the space from legacy Cadwalader, Haynes Boone and Mayer Brown. Earlier this year the firm launched an office in Charlotte, a major finance centre in the US.
‘Demand across the fund finance market continues to grow rapidly, with the market estimated to approach $2.5 trillion by 2030,’ said firm chair Frank Lopez in a statement.
He added that the firm had pursued an ‘intentional strategy’ in the area in London, creating a practice that ‘complements our premier US team, positioning us to gain additional market share with our asset manager and bank clients in a growing area of the global market.’
