Charles Russell hires commercially focused UK partner
Rebecca Steer’s expertise includes IP and data protection matters in technology, creative and digital sectors, from Shaun the Sheep animation to AI.
Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed a new partner with specialist commercial, IP, media and tech experience to its commercial team.
Rebecca Steer also brings in-house counsel and private practice experience, and is qualified to advise on UK and EU law.
Ranked as one of the top lawyers in Bristol and the South West for Tech, Media and IP in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 publications, Steer will be based in the firm’s Cheltenham, UK office.
With 25 years’ experience under her belt, Steer’s work has included advising on the IP ownership of original artwork for Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep and advising AI semiconductor firm Graphcore on collaboration and supply agreements with Microsoft.
She advises her client base of owner-managed, portfolio and privately owned digital, tech and innovator businesses across a full spectrum of legal issues, including commercial, intellectual property, media, technology, outsourcing, and data protection matters.
Steer regularly provides strategic go-to-market advice and executes commercial, subscription and licensing agreements for emerging tech and digital companies in the UK and overseas, with many of her clients operating on a multinational basis.
Charles Russell Speechlys partner David Collins said of the appointment: “With technological change continuing to accelerate at pace and client demand for bespoke commercial legal expertise growing, it is a very exciting time to be joining our team.
“Rebecca’s leading reputation, expertise and areas of specialism are very complementary to our highly regarded and expanding commercial practice and client offering.”
Steer added: “I am very excited to be joining Charles Russell Speechlys. There are clear synergies between the firm’s private capital service lines and sectors and my own client base and expertise.
“Joining Charles Russell Speechlys will enable me to offer a more integrated full-service package to my clients and I am very much looking forward to working alongside the stellar team.”
