Charles Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, appointed as Partner at Michelmores

Exeter headquartered law firm Michelmores has announced the appointment of Charles Courtenay as Partner within its Commercial and Regulatory Disputes team.

Charles' arrival will support the firm's growing national and international client base, adding expertise to its cross-border disputes, intellectual property and technology practices.  He joins a team of 25 specialist litigation, arbitration and regulatory lawyers who work across the firm's South West and London offices advising national brands, multi-national corporations and public bodies.  

Charles joins Michelmores from the London office of US firm Latham & Watkins, where he led the firm’s European Intellectual Property Disputes practice from 2014. Previously, Charles spent eight years practising from Latham & Watkins’ Los Angeles office and working with major global clients, representing a number of leading Silicon Valley companies. 

Both a Barrister and a California attorney, Charles has a wealth of experience trying high stakes litigation and arbitration in both the UK and the US, and advising investors and boards of cutting edge technology firms; he has also handled regulatory investigations and a number of complex financial and banking matters. Charles is the second senior barrister to join the Michelmores team after Andrew Oldland QC.

Jonathan Kitchin, Head of the Commercial and Regulatory Disputes team, commented:

"Charles' decision to join the team endorses and underscores our capability and reputation for handling 'mission critical' disputes and resolving serious cases that are often reserved to large international firms. We are delighted to have him on board."

Peter Haigh-Lumby, Head of Business at Michelmores, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Charles. He brings with him a wealth of global experience and expertise which will be a huge asset to the firm and our clients."

Alongside his legal practice, Charles is the 19th Earl of Devon and owner of his family's ancestral home, Powderham Castle.  This 800-year-old family business is committed to heritage tourism, sustainable land management, and community wellbeing.  Charles was also elected to the House of Lords as a cross-bench hereditary peer in 2018.

Charles Courtenay responded: “Joining Michelmores is an exciting next step for my practice, and fulfils a long-held ambition. The firm enjoys an excellent reputation, and combines the best of London and the South West.  The firm has demonstrated considerable growth and ambition, and provides an excellent platform from which to develop my litigation practice.”