Emma Shipp is a corporate lawyer with 30 years of experience. She also has considerable experience in the business of law. She was previously Head of the Business Services Unit in the London office of a well-known firm providing services to corporate clients and she oversaw the delivery of growth throughout the firm. Before that, she spent 28 years with Shakespeare Martineau (and its legacy firms) and during that time she was managing partner for three terms.

In a new departure for the firm, Russell-Cooke is investing in an innovative digital offering to business, to be driven and led by Emma. The details of this offering are currently being mapped out and the plan is to launch to market in 2021. About half of Russell-Cooke's existing practice relates to companies and organisations but in many areas it is best known for its work for individuals.

Senior Partner John Gould said: "Russell-Cooke has always been open to new ideas and innovation has played an important part in our virtually uninterrupted growth over many years. The ability to attract additional talent and experience is a key strength. We intend to take the coming economic challenges head-on from a position of strength and recruiting Emma is an important part of our strategy of innovation and investment."

Emma Shipp said: "Joining Russell-Cooke with the firm’s outstanding reputation across so many practice areas is an exciting move for me and I can’t wait to get started. We will be looking at new ways of enhancing value for corporate clients and accelerating the growth of our business practice. The project is underway – watch this space!"