Keystone Law has welcomed four new senior lawyers to the firm, enhancing its experience and expertise across a range of sectors.

Mamuna Farooq, Craig Baylis, Joanne Staphnill, and James Wilkinson are the latest lawyers to join Keystone, moving from their senior roles at top City law firms.

James Knight, Founder and CEO of Keystone Law, said:

“Keystone is thrilled to welcome such a brilliant wealth of talent to the firm. Mamuna, Craig, Joanne, and James will be fantastic additions to their respective teams, bringing with them expertise that will enhance our full-service offering to clients.”

The new appointments are:

Mamuna Farooq – Private Wealth and Tax

Joined from Child & Child

Mamuna is an international private wealth and tax lawyer, who represents high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families in the UK and globally. She has an established client base representing esteemed families throughout the Middle East, the Gulf States and beyond.

Her expertise includes offering advice on succession planning, wealth preservation, asset protection, tax, cross-border estate administration and the acquisition of UK residential properties

Before joining Keystone, Mamuna was a partner and the head of Middle East division at Child & Child.

Craig Baylis – Licensing

Joined from Kingsley Napley

Craig brings over 30 years’ experience in alcohol and gambling regulation, advising clients on the full spectrum of licensing issues arising from the hospitality sector, including the obtaining of licences for new premises, licence valuation, and dealings with operator tenants and landlords.

His clients include an abundance of major hotels, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and casinos, including the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, The Crown Estate, Diageo GB, and the Coral Island casino in Blackpool.

Prior to joining Keystone, Craig was a partner in Kingsley Napley’s Regulatory team and previously headed Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP’s Regulatory practice.

Joanne Staphnill – Insurance

Joined from DWF

An expert in insurance law, Joanne frequently defends professionals against negligence claims. She advises on everything from medico-legal advice to pre-litigation advice and representation in high-profile trials. She has particular experience acting for medical professionals, insurance intermediaries and solicitors.

Joanne is frequently sought out by insurers for advice on policy coverage and policy drafting. She has notable experience in medical indemnity and legal expenses insurance relating to specialist healthcare professionals and has drafted many policies herself.

Joanne was previously a director and partner at DWF.

James Wilkinson – Commercial and Corporate

Joined from Woodfines Solicitors

James is an expert in corporate and commercial law, routinely advising clients on M&A transactions, capital fundraisings, shareholder agreements and general commercial arrangements.

He frequently advises SMEs, high-growth enterprises and owner-managed businesses as they prepare for exits and other significant capital events.

Before joining Keystone, James was a partner at Woodfines Solicitors.

For further information please contact: