Herbert Smith Freehills announces 2024 recipient of the Kathryn Everett Leadership Fellowship for Women

Hebert Smith Freehills (HSF) has announced that Katherine London is the 2024 recipient of the Kathryn Everett Leadership Fellowship for Women (the Fellowship).

Katherine will use the Fellowship to undertake the High Potentials Leadership Program at Harvard Business School in Boston, United States.

Katherine is a Senior Associate in Disputes, and specialises in acting for clients in the building, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Katherine is also known for her proactive engagement in numerous people and culture initiatives at the firm.

The Fellowship is named in honour of the late Kathryn Everett, a much-loved partner at the firm specialising in IP and technology disputes. It is an enduring recognition of Kathryn’s qualities of high performance, leadership and a commitment to fairness, equity and compassion. Kathryn was known for her mentorship and supporting women to build their leadership skills in their chosen profession.

Chair of the Fellowship panel and Intellectual Property partner, Sue Gilchrist, said: “We are so proud of and impressed by the outstanding achievements, warmth and humanity of each candidate who has applied for the Fellowship since its inception. We are building a cohort of wonderful recipients of the Fellowship, and each person plays an important role in continuing to uphold Kathryn’s unique legacy at Herbert Smith Freehills and beyond.

“The panel warmly congratulates Katherine London as this year’s recipient of the Fellowship, and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as a leader at the firm.”

Kristin Stammer, Executive Partner, Asia and Australia, said: “I am delighted for Katherine that she will have this opportunity to further develop her aptitude for leadership. Katherine has shown her commitment to outstanding client service and to our people, engaging in numerous people initiatives at our firm.”

“Kathryn Everett was an extraordinary partner who loved her practice and working with her team on complex IP and technology disputes for our clients. She was integral to strengthening the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion during her time as a partner, and in supporting others to thrive at our firm. The Fellowship is an ideal way to honour Kathryn’s remarkable legacy,” Ms Stammer said.

Katherine London said: “I am deeply honoured to be the 2024 recipient of the Kathryn Everett Leadership Fellowship for Women in recognition of Kathryn’s leadership and enormous contribution to the firm.”

“Throughout my time at the firm, I have been fortunate to have learnt from a range of outstanding leaders. Inspired by Kathryn’s legacy, I am looking forward to undertaking the High Potentials Leadership Program to further my own leadership skills and use it to support my colleagues and the next generation of lawyers and others at the firm,” Ms London said.