Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP announces today the appointment of corporate & commercial partner Michael Harte. Formerly a consultant at Olswang, Michael’s expertise in a number of key sectors will strengthen the firm’s focus on IP-driven and highly regulated businesses.

Michael advises clients in the retail, sport, fashion and media sectors as well advising financial services clients investing in these industries. He advises on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters including acquisitions, disposals, licensing agreements and joint venture arrangements. In the past Michael has also worked for Goldman Sachs and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Michael, who joins Field Fisher Waterhouse’s Commercial IP Group, brings a practice that will add further depth to the firm’s sport, media and retail capabilities and build on a client base of investors, asset owners, operators and brands. Michael will also help to build on the firm’s growing reputation in the football space, bringing a number of potential football club transactions to the firm.

Mark Abell, partner and Head of Commercial IP said:
“Attracting clients in sectors that are IP-rich and technology driven, as well as those that are highly regulated is central to the firm’s strategy. Michael’s expertise advising clients in sectors such as media, retail and sport complements the firm’s focus and his arrival is an exciting opportunity for the Commercial IP Group to build on our capability in these areas.”

On joining, Michael said: “I have seen Field Fisher Waterhouse when working on transactions in the past and have been impressed with their commerciality. I believe the firm is a perfect fit for myself and my clients. The sectoral approach provides an excellent platform for me to service an entrepreneurial client base looking for advice across areas that include IP, corporate, finance, tax, real estate and litigation.”