King & Spalding expands disputes team again

King & Spalding has made significant strides in its ongoing expansion efforts by announcing the addition of partners Steven Finizio and Jonathan Lim to its London office. Their recruitment marks a continuation of the firm’s strategy to bolster its International Disputes practice group, contributing to what has been described as a "peerless international disputes practice,” according to Gary Born, a partner who joined King & Spalding in June and now co-leads the group. He added that “Steve and Jonny are highly regarded international arbitration and litigation lawyers and critical members of our group.”

With Finizio and Lim transitioning from WilmerHale, they rejoin Born, along with other recent hires, including partners Franz Schwarz, Marleen Krueger, Rachael Kent, and Danielle Morris, who all joined in June; and Charlie Caher, who joined in July. This growing team spans multiple offices, including London, New York, and Washington D.C., totalling eight partners and seven other lawyers. While Lim will operate primarily from London, he will also devote significant time to the firm’s Singapore office.

“The international disputes platform that King & Spalding has – and continues to develop – is dynamic, bold and visionary, so it’s a natural destination for us,” Finizio remarked, highlighting the appeal of the firm’s robust international framework. Lim echoed this sentiment, stating, “King & Spalding has built one of the deepest international disputes benches in the market, including in key markets such as London, Paris and Singapore, and we are delighted to join a firm with a truly global platform that lets us serve our clients seamlessly.”

The bolstered team reinforces King & Spalding’s commitment to its London growth strategy, with 11 of the 15 new lawyers added in recent months being based in the capital. In addition to the six partners recently recruited, the London office has also welcomed partners Raymond Fang and Jade Alexandra Fearns earlier this year, further establishing its presence by securing the lease for the 47th floor in the 8 Bishopsgate building, bringing the total floors occupied there to seven.

“Our exceptional growth in London is evidenced by the addition of Steve, Jonny and this preeminent team’s arrival,” said Tom Sprange, KC, the managing partner of the London office. He emphasised the firm’s strategic goal of becoming a premier choice for clients with complex legal challenges.

Finizio is a distinguished international dispute resolution lawyer known for his work in energy, financial services, and M&A disputes. Peers have described him as “a truly excellent lawyer, relentless in his approach to succeeding in cases,” and possessing “an encyclopaedic understanding of the arbitration process.”

Similarly, Lim focuses on significant arbitration disputes across various sectors including construction and telecommunications. Recognised for his legal acumen, he has been characterised as “an extraordinarily gifted lawyer and forceful advocate” and was recently included in Global Arbitration Review’s prestigious “45 Under 45” list.

These strategic appointments reflect King & Spalding’s noteworthy commitment to enhancing its international disputes capabilities, ultimately strengthening its position as a leader in the legal sector.