Shoosmiths today announces that commercial law expert Craig Chaplin has joined the firm as a partner to strengthen the team’s expertise in Complex Contracting, Tech & IT, IP, Energy & Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Privacy & Data.

Published: 12 May 2025

Author: Press office

Throughout his 30-year career Craig has become a trusted adviser to several household-name brands across the retail and technology sector, particularly in Manchester.

He brings with him a wealth of experience building and developing successful teams which includes over a decade leading DWF’s commercial team through a significant period of development. He also spent two years as the Commercial Director of DWF’s Legal Operations Division to design and improve the firm’s client operations.

Most recently, Craig was a partner at Brandsmiths, where he worked with several high-profile clients whilst also sitting within the strategic leadership team.

Head of Shoosmiths Commercial Group Robin Webb commented: “Craig’s background conceiving and delivering strategic initiatives will greatly enhance our client proposition from the Commercial team, further cementing Shoosmiths reputation as a leading commercial practice. We are delighted to have him on board during this period of growth for the firm.”

Head of National M&A and Northwest Corporate Elia Montorio added: “This is an exciting time to be bringing someone with Craig’s track record of success into our thriving team. His appointment is a testament to the firm’s continued investment into Manchester and our commitment to making an impact for our clients in the region.”

Speaking on his appointment, Craig said: “It was essential to me that I joined a firm driven by its dedication to building and fostering lasting client relationships that drive positive results, and Shoosmiths provides a platform to achieve exactly that. I look forward to working with this team of sector experts to make big waves across Manchester’s commercial market and beyond.”

Shoosmiths has been ranked a top 10 law firm for commercial law referencing our breadth of experience working with volumes of well-known FTSE-listed clients. The commercial group continues its ambitious journey to increase the number of FTSE companies and global brands we advise as part of the firm’s 2030 strategy.