Fieldfisher enhances commercial practice in Birmingham

European law firm Fieldfisher has made a strategic move by appointing Sarah Riding as a partner in its Birmingham office, where she will spearhead the launch of a new Commercial practice. Having joined the firm on 1 June 2026 from Gowling WLG, where she held the position of partner and Head of Commercial, IT and Outsourcing, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in advising clients on a diverse range of strategic commercial arrangements. These include supply chain, manufacturing, technology, and outsourcing agreements, with her expertise spanning various sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, retail, energy, technology, and sport.

Sarah's extensive background also includes significant involvement in both UK and international matters, particularly in complex cross-border arrangements. Her appointment, alongside the initiation of the new Commercial practice, highlights Fieldfisher’s ongoing commitment to investing in its Birmingham office, as well as its broader UK regional and international strategy. The establishment of this practice will bolster the firm’s capability to provide clients with commercially focused advice and foster greater collaboration with other areas including Corporate, IP, Regulatory, and Dispute Resolution.

Commercial contracts are vital for businesses aiming to operate, scale, and break into new markets. Sarah will concentrate on assisting clients in navigating these challenges with her pragmatic and solutions-driven approach, which is underpinned by her extensive in-house experience. Fieldfisher’s UK and international Commercial team, led by co-heads David Bond and Gordon Drakes, advises businesses on a variety of issues such as domestic and cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and complex contractual arrangements across multiple jurisdictions.

David Bond commented that "Sarah’s arrival represents a key milestone for our commercial offering. Commercial work is fundamental to our clients’ businesses, and her expertise will build on our established London practice while enhancing our ability to deliver high-quality, commercially driven advice across the firm." Sarah Riding expressed her enthusiasm by stating "Fieldfisher’s strong sector focus, collaborative culture and international office network make it an ideal platform to further grow my commercial practice. There is a significant opportunity in the Midlands market, and I’m particularly excited about also utilising the European network and building a practice that supports clients in developing new routes to market, managing risk and achieving sustainable growth."