King & Spalding Adds Two London Partners in as Many Days

Why It Matters

The hires signal King & Spalding’s aggressive push to deepen its UK and EU competition practice and to capture high‑value real‑estate private‑equity work, positioning the firm for cross‑border deals as the market rebounds. Strengthening London’s talent pool also underpins the firm’s global growth strategy, highlighted by its new Sydney office.

Key Takeaways

• King & Spalding adds two London partners in two days
• Jade‑Alexandra Fearns brings antitrust expertise across tech, pharma, finance
• Raymond Fang adds real‑estate private‑equity experience, including $1.9bn hospital deal
• London practice now ~50 partners after 15 senior hires in 2024
• Firm opened Sydney office, first major entry since 2016

Pulse Analysis

King & Spalding’s rapid recruitment in London reflects a broader trend among U.S. law firms seeking to capture market share in Europe’s most competitive jurisdiction. After a wave of lateral moves across the City, the firm’s two hires in as many days underscore its commitment to building a deep bench in antitrust and real‑estate private‑equity—two practice areas that have seen heightened client demand amid a resurgence of cross‑border M&A and private‑equity fundraising. By targeting seasoned partners with sector‑specific expertise, King & Spalding aims to differentiate its advisory services from rivals and to attract multinational corporations navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

The addition of Jade‑Alexandra Fearns brings a rare combination of antitrust, competition, and sanctions experience across technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and even sports. Her background in merger control and foreign direct investment aligns with the growing need for sophisticated UK and EU competition counsel as companies pursue cross‑border transactions that trigger both domestic and European Commission scrutiny. Clients increasingly value counsel that can anticipate regulatory hurdles early, and Fearns’ track record positions King & Spalding to capture high‑margin advisory work in mega‑deals that require nuanced competition analysis.

Raymond Fang’s entry strengthens the firm’s real‑estate and funds practice, particularly in private‑equity‑driven property investments. His role in a £1.5 bn (approximately $1.9 bn) acquisition of a UK hospital portfolio demonstrates the scale of transactions he can manage, a capability that resonates with investors targeting stable, income‑generating assets. Coupled with King & Spalding’s recent expansion into Sydney—the first major U.S. firm entry into the Australian market since 2016—the London hires illustrate a coordinated global growth strategy. The firm is positioning itself as a full‑service platform for clients seeking integrated legal support across continents, sectors, and deal structures.