Ropes & Gray announces seven new counsel

Global law firm Ropes & Gray has announced the promotion of seven London-based lawyers to counsel, effective 1 January 2027. The new counsel include Madalina Asandului, Kenan Ceylan, Craig Jourdan, Candice Kwok, Victoria Srivastava, Hayley Stokes-White, and Vincenzo Volpe, contributing to a broader class of 28 new counsel across the firm's global offices, which features individuals like Thibault Hurbli in Paris.

This announcement comes shortly after the firm promoted four London-based lawyers to partner, effective 1 January 2027. David Dowling, Edward Machin, Dima Orendarets, and Rupert Phillips have been elevated, joining a global class of 26 new partners. These promotions are indicative of Ropes & Gray's robust expansion in Europe, having added 15 partners in 2026 through various means, including lateral hires.

With these appointments, Ropes & Gray's London office will consist of 32 partners and 20 counsel, supporting a total of 185 fee earners. Their European platform now spans a total of 42 partners across London, Paris, and Milan. The Paris office has grown significantly since its inception in March 2025, now housing 33 lawyers, while the Milan practice has begun to thrive since its launch in September 2025.

The new counsel's expertise encompasses private equity, public M&A, fund formation, and competition and merger control. Rohan Massey, Managing Partner of Ropes & Gray's London office, expressed pride in the new counsel, noting that "Madalina, Kenan, Craig, Candice, Victoria, Hayley and Vincenzo have each earned this recognition through outstanding work for our clients." He emphasised that their contributions will add depth to the firm's private capital platform across London, Paris, and Milan.

Madalina Asandului advises on secondaries transactions, while Kenan Ceylan guides private capital sponsors through cross-border transactions. Craig Jourdan focuses on high-value secondaries and capital investments. Candice Kwok handles fund structuring and negotiations, whereas Victoria Srivastava tackles corporate governance and acquisitions. Hayley Stokes-White represents private equity sponsors in complex transactions, and Vincenzo Volpe counsel clients on merger control regulations.

The firm’s promotions reflect a strategic response to the increasing demands of clients in a competitive environment, enhancing Ropes & Gray’s capabilities in crucial legal sectors.