Nathan Willmott

I really enjoyed studying law while at Exeter, and that led me to think about a career in the law. I had a close look at life as a solicitor and as a barrister, and decided that the client-facing, more team-oriented life as a solicitor would suit me better. I joined Freshfields as a trainee solicitor and worked in their London and New York offices before qualifying into the Dispute Resolution department. As an associate I worked on High Court litigation and regulatory investigations, and completed secondments to the auction house Sotheby’s and to the financial regulator, the Financial Services Authority (now known as the Financial Conduct Authority). In 2007 I was recruited by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) to become a partner and develop a team focusing on regulatory investigations for financial services firms. I the head of my practice group and then the head of the Litigation Department, serving as a member of the Board for several years. In 2022 I moved to Ashurst where I focus on regulatory investigations work and related litigation for banks and other financial services firms, and head up the firm’s Contentious Financial Services Group. In 2026 the firm undertook a combination to form the global firm Ashurst Perkins Coie. Outside of work I enjoy open water swimming, cycling, running, hill walking, diving, and supporting Arsenal football club.