Herbert Smith Freehills partner James Palmer awarded CBE for contribution to services to business and law

Herbert Smith Freehills' corporate partner and former Chair and Senior Partner, James Palmer, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in this year's Honours lists of King Charles III for his services to business and to law in the United Kingdom.

James has held numerous roles over the last thirty years, working on improving legislative and regulatory proposals, UK competitiveness and the UK justice system.

James is currently a member of TheCityUK’s Leadership Council, as well as the Chair of TheCityUK's Legal Services Group. TheCityUK is the industry association for the UK’s financial and related professional services sectors and its Legal Services Group seeks to improve the competitiveness and effectiveness of the legal sector.

The CBE is awarded to individuals for having a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level. CBEs are also awarded for distinguished and innovative contribution to any area.

James Palmer said:

"I feel very grateful and fortunate to receive this recognition, which is testament to the incredible encouragement and collaboration of my colleagues working to improve the quality of UK law and regulation and the competitiveness of the UK, both at Herbert Smith Freehills and across the wider legal and business communities. I am also deeply grateful for the extraordinary support of my family over the years, helping me to pursue my career."

Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, Chair and Senior Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills, commented:

"James' love of, and unwavering dedication to, the law is commendable, having inspired many people and made an exceptional, positive impact on the competitiveness of the UK economy, across the wider business community and the legal sector. He has been particularly involved in pursuing improvements in corporate and governance law, takeover regulation, capital markets and wider financial services law and regulation. However his interests and engagement go much wider than this. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with James."