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James Libson steps down as Mishcon de Reya Managing Partner

Created at 6 Jul · 12:00 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

James Libson is stepping down as Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya after six years. He will transition to a senior partner role focused on policymaking. Daniel Naftalin has been elected as the new Managing Partner, effective summer 2026.

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Key Numbers

sixyears Libson served as Managing Partner
2004year Daniel Naftalin became a partner
1998year Daniel Naftalin joined the firm

Who's Involved

James Libson
Outgoing Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya
Daniel Naftalin
Newly elected Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya
Johanna Walsh
Executive Partner at Mishcon de Reya
Daniel Levy
Executive Partner at Mishcon de Reya
James Libson steps down as Mishcon de Reya Managing Partner

↳ Why This Matters

The leadership transition at Mishcon de Reya signifies a strategic shift, with the outgoing managing partner moving into a policy-focused role, indicating the firm's increased emphasis on government relations and advocacy.

Key facts

  • James Libson is stepping down as Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya after six years.
  • Daniel Naftalin has been elected as the new Managing Partner, effective summer 2026.
  • Libson will transition to a senior partner role focused on government relations.
  • Naftalin, currently Chair of the Employment department, has been a partner since 2004.
  • Johanna Walsh and Daniel Levy will serve as Executive Partners.

James Libson is stepping down as Managing Partner of the law firm Mishcon de Reya after a six-year tenure. He will transition to a new role as a senior partner, focusing on engaging with government decision-makers.

Daniel Naftalin has been elected by the firm's partners to succeed Libson as Managing Partner. Naftalin, who joined Mishcon de Reya in 1998 and has been a partner since 2004, currently chairs the Employment department and serves on the Management Board. He will officially take over the role in the summer of 2026, following a transition period.

Naftalin will be supported by an Executive Partner team comprising Johanna Walsh, who leads the White Collar Crime and Investigations team, and Daniel Levy, who heads the Real Estate Litigation team. Both Walsh and Levy have prior experience on the firm's Management Board.

Libson expressed his delight with Naftalin's election, citing his deep understanding and commitment to the firm. Naftalin, in turn, conveyed his excitement and commitment to leading the firm towards a successful and sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions

Daniel Naftalin has been elected as the new Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya. He will take over from James Libson in summer 2026.

James Libson will move into a senior partner role focused on policymaking and engaging with government decision-makers.

Daniel Naftalin will be supported by an Executive Partner team consisting of Johanna Walsh and Daniel Levy.

What Happens Next

01Daniel Naftalin will officially assume the role of Managing Partner in summer 2026.
02The Employment department will elect a new Chair.

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Cadence

How It Developed

James Libson is stepping down as Managing Partner of Mishcon de Reya after six years.
Daniel Naftalin has been elected as the new Managing Partner.
Daniel Naftalin will take over from James Libson in summer 2026.
Libson will move into a senior partner role focused on policymaking.
Johanna Walsh and Daniel Levy will serve as Executive Partners supporting Naftalin.

Sources

T1
Mishcon de Reya’s outgoing boss shifts to senior partner in policymaking pushFinancial News London
T2
Mishcon de Reya Unveils New-Look Management Team - Law.comlaw.com
T2
Mishcon de Reya elects new Managing Partnermishcon.com

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