Browne Jacobson appoints first General Counsel

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has announced the appointment of Oliver Sweeney as its first General Counsel, effective 4 November 2024. This strategic appointment underscores the firm's commitment to excellence in legal practice and regulatory compliance.

Oliver is a distinguished legal professional who has significant experience of regulatory compliance, policy development, and the management of complex legal issues across various sectors. He joins from the Solicitors Regulation Authority where he was Head of Legal and Enforcement. Prior to that, Oliver was General Counsel at the Gambling Commission. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the firm's history and demonstrates its dedication to strengthening its internal legal and compliance functions.

In his new role, Oliver will report to the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and will provide crucial legal guidance to the leadership, oversee Risk and Compliance functions, and serve as the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO).

Andy Stephens, Chief Financial Officer at Browne Jacobson, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Oliver to Browne Jacobson in this pivotal new role. His wealth of experience, particularly his tenure as Head of Legal and Enforcement at the Solicitors Regulation Authority, makes him uniquely qualified to guide our firm through the complex legal and regulatory landscape. Oliver's appointment as our first General Counsel reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal practice and ethical conduct."

Oliver Sweeney, said: "Having spent the last decade working at the heart of regulation and compliance, including at the SRA, I'm looking forward to bringing these insights to Browne Jacobson as its first General Counsel. The firm has a clear vision for growth and innovation, and I'm passionate about working with its talented teams to strengthen the risk and compliance framework while supporting these ambitions. The legal landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and I'm committed to ensuring we continue to set the highest standards in legal practice and ethical conduct."

This appointment reinforces Browne Jacobson's position as a forward-thinking law firm, dedicated to excellence, integrity, and innovation in legal services.