Ashurst expands cybersecurity expertise with Risk Advisory partner hire

Global law firm Ashurst has appointed cyber expert Julia Spain to its Risk Advisory business in the UK, as the firm expands its integrated risk, legal and delivery offering in the cybersecurity space.

Julia has extensive experience advising clients on cyber crisis management, readiness and resilience, and a deep knowledge of cybersecurity advisory and risk management, with a focus on both corporates and public sector including the financial services, healthcare and life sciences sectors. She previously spent nine years in government intelligence leading on Counter Terrorism and Nation State Cyber threats to the UK, including postings to India, Pakistan and Kenya.

Julia is a member of the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board, created to challenge and support the delivery of the UK government's cyber and resilience strategy.

Jamie Ng, Global Head of Ashurst Risk Advisory, said: "Julia is a fantastic addition to our team. UK corporates are undergoing a significant change in the extent and complexity of their digital, cloud and data focus to drive increased revenue, improved margins and to reduce risk. Against this backdrop, managing cyber risks has become a paramount priority for all, and experienced practitioners like Julia will bolster our ability to support our clients to develop a proactive and strategic approach to cybersecurity risk management." He added: "Her unique blend of government, industry and consulting experience, perfectly complements our existing capabilities and will allow us to scale our cyber offering to meet client demand for assistance in this space."

"We are thrilled to welcome Julia to Ashurst as we continue to expand our Risk Advisory business in the UK," said Head of UK Risk, Rachel Sexton. Rachel added that Julia's expertise in counter terrorism and cyber strategy will make a valuable contribution to the UK Risk business and to the firm's digital economy practice. "With close to 20 years' experience of growing and transforming businesses in the cyber security and risk arena, Julia brings a formidable track record and enables us to offer an even greater depth of expertise to clients looking to fortify their defences, and ensure a resilient and secure foundation for sustained success in an interconnected and rapidly evolving business environment."

Julia added: "I am excited to join Ashurst. As companies look to tackle changing global dynamics and become ever more reliant on data and digitalise their businesses, the convergence of legal expertise and risk management in cybersecurity is pivotal. I am looking forward to working with the global team to continue to grow the cyber brand, and contribute to Ashurst's commitment to deliver sustainable solutions in the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity."