Haynes Boone appoints William Cecil as UK general counsel

Haynes Boone has appointed longtime partner William Cecil as United Kingdom General Counsel, a strategic move that underscores the firm’s ongoing growth in London and the rising complexity of its international legal and regulatory operations. In his new role, Cecil will collaborate closely with Haynes Boone General Counsel Ben Mesches and the broader Office of the General Counsel in Dallas, which aims to strengthen coordination for cross-border compliance and internal legal efforts.

Cecil has been with the firm since 2016, following the merger of his previous firm, CDG, with Haynes Boone. He has served as the managing partner of the London office and will maintain his active involvement in shipping dispute resolution while embracing the enhanced internal legal and compliance responsibilities accompanying the firm’s UK and international operations. Corporate Partner Nick Davis, who joined Haynes Boone as co-office managing partner in February, will now continue in that role independently.

“As our London office and international platform continue to grow, so does the volume of international matters,” said Haynes Boone Managing Partner Taylor Wilson. “Will has played a central role in the evolution of our London office and has long been deeply involved in both legal and regulatory matters there. This appointment formally recognizes his leadership and ensures we have trusted, on-the-ground support aligned with our U.S.-based GC team.”

The UK general counsel position reflects the firm’s expanding footprint in London and the highly regulated context in which UK law firms operate. Cecil’s new title not only recognises the growing volume of legal work tied to the firm’s international growth but also addresses the increasing activity in cross-border matters.

“Over the past decade, I have worked closely with colleagues across the London office as it has grown from a small group into a much broader, international practice,” said Cecil. “This role recognises the growth of our outpost in London, and it is ultimately about supporting the people doing that work.”

In addition to these changes, Haynes Boone’s London office is set to relocate at the end of 2025, in line with its plans to support expanded corporate and international activities across the Eastern Hemisphere. The firm has also recently advised on the largest U.S. IPO in London by market cap since early 2015 and is recognised for having the highest number of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market.

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