Stephenson Harwood names James Linforth CEO as Eifion Morris steps down amid Taylor Wessing talks
Stephenson Harwood appointed James Linforth as chief executive from the start of 2027, replacing Eifion Morris, who is stepping down for personal reasons, Legal Business and The Lawyer reported October 14, 2026. The change comes as the London firm holds merger talks with Taylor Wessing, with the two firms eyeing a combination before May 1, 2027.
Announcement (The Lawyer) → · Legal Business, Law.com International, Law360
Key points
- Linforth will take over as chief executive from the new year.Legal BusinessLaw360
- Morris is stepping down as chief executive for personal reasons.Legal BusinessThe Lawyer
- Stephenson Harwood and Taylor Wessing are in merger talks and are eyeing a combination before May 1, 2027.Legal BusinessLaw.com International
- Law.com reported the leadership change comes as the London-headquartered firm contends with falling profits.Law.com International