Ashurst appoints 18 new partners to its global partners

Ashurst announces the appointment of 18 new partners from May 1, 2026. The new partner cohort for 2026 span 11 practice groups and 9 of the firm’s 32 offices, evenly split between EMEA/US and APAC. The firm’s disputes, global loans and energy transition practices account for 61 per cent of the promotes, while women represent 50 per cent of the new partner cohort, in line with the firm’s five-year rolling average.

In the Middle East, Raquel Tarancon Plata (projects & energy transition practice) has been promoted to partner in Abu Dhabi. She specialises in energy and infrastructure projects across the MENA region advising sponsors, lenders and governments. Plata has a particular focus on utilities projects (conventional and renewable power as well as water and wastewater) and oil & gas projects. Plata is qualified in Abu Dhabi, England & Wales.

“I’d like to congratulate our 18 new partners on this very well-deserved milestone. They each represent the best of us as a firm: high-quality talent, and, importantly, trusted advisers,” said global chair, Karen Davies. “Each of our new partners has made an outstanding contribution to our clients and the global firm, and I’m sure they will continue to do so. This promotion reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the collaborative, forward-thinking culture that defines the firm.”

Davies added that the promotions reflect Ashurst’s ongoing work to develop emerging talent, particularly at an exciting moment for the firm: “We remain deeply committed to investing in our people and nurturing the future generation of leaders and we are confident that this group will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of our growth.”

“I am delighted to welcome our 18 new partners, who have all played a significant role in serving the needs of our clients,” added global CEO, Paul Jenkins. “These appointments reflect Ashurst’s strategic priorities as we move toward our exciting combination with Perkins Coie, and continue to strengthen the depth of capability across our global platform.”

Ashurst’s 2026 partner promotions come ahead of its combination with Perkins Coie, to become Ashurst Perkins Coie in Q3 2026. Partners at both firms voted the combination through in April.