Fresh from securing partner approval for its merger with US firm Winston & Strawn, Taylor Wessing has made its first lateral hire in London, bringing in RPC rainmaker Jeremy Drew as a partner in its IP practice.
Drew joins after 19 years at RPC, where he was a retail and commercial partner and, until earlier this year, head of the firm’s commercial division. He also served on its board for 15 years.
This followed eight years at Ashurst, where from 1997 he was a partner in the IP and commercial practice.
During his career he has built a practice spanning IP, sports, technology, and retail and consumer matters, as well as corporate governance, earning recognition as a leading partner in Legal 500 for the latter two areas.
In a statement, Drew said: ‘I’m very pleased to be joining Taylor Wessing’s IP, regulatory and digital practice. I look forward to working with my new colleagues, developing the team and enhancing Taylor Wessing’s market-leading IP capabilities, to help clients navigate their most complex IP and commercial challenges.’
Drew has long advised retail magnate and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, one of RPC’s most significant longstanding clients. The firm has also represented Ashley’s Frasers Group — owner of Sports Direct, House of Fraser and luxury fashion retailer Flannels, among other brands — on a series of high-profile commercial disputes and strategic mandates.
Speaking to LB previously, Drew said of the relationship: ‘I’ve dealt with Mike Ashley for 14 years. I’ve had a good working relationship with that group. Challenging but good.’
The hire comes as Taylor Wessing prepares to complete its merger with Winston & Strawn in May 2026, following partner approval in late January. The tie-up will create a firm with more than 1,400 lawyers and revenues of around $1.65bn, with Winston’s 2024 revenues of $1.27bn (£950m) boosted by Taylor Wessing’s UK turnover of £284m.
Shane Gleghorn, Taylor Wessing’s UK managing partner, who will serve as the Europe and Middle East managing partner of the combined firm, said of Drew’s hire: ‘His arrival significantly strengthens our market-leading IP practice and reinforces our commitment to building an unrivalled IP powerhouse. Jeremy’s multi-faceted expertise and significant client relationships will create substantial opportunities across our practices and sectors internationally.’
The firm has also seen some pre-merger departures. Since the deal was announced, Taylor Wessing has seen three partner exits in London, with real estate partners Mark Rajbenbach and Victoria Butcher leaving for Mayer Brown, and head of contentious trusts Emma Jordan for Stephenson Harwood, all earlier this month.
An RPC spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that Jeremy Drew will be leaving the RPC partnership. We thank him for his contribution to the success of the firm and wish him well in his future endeavours.’
