HAPPENINGS IN HAMPSHIRE
Shoosmiths appoints new fintech specialist Prakash Kerai
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eading technology and fintech lawyer, Prakash Kerai (PK) is the latest partner recruited to UK law firm Shoosmiths’ commercial team with an office in Solent. Over the last fifteen years, Prakash has advised on technology and fintech arrangements at a top 30 UK law firm, becoming its head of fintech. Prakash – who joins the firm from DAC Beachcroft – has a wealth of technology and fintech experience. He works with a range of clients such as technology buyers, frequently in financial services, and from technology and fintech scale-ups and SMEs – including challenger and disruptor brands. He has substantial experience as an in-house technology lawyer. He will work closely with commercial partner and head of technology, media and commercial practice, David Jackson and commercial partner, Joe Stephenson to further boost the firm’s
TMT team that is ranked Bank 1 by both The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK Guide. Prakash will also work closely with the firm’s financial services sector team headed by partner Stephen Dawson to support their financial services clients with their fintech needs. Prakash said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Shoosmiths’ highly rated technology team – especially when the firm is launching a number of innovative projects with more being planned for the future.” David Jackson said: “As a noted fintech lawyer, I am pleased that Prakash is joining us with his passion for technology as we launch our eight Connected Services to help our clients with their legal and business requirements across innovation, contracts, corporate advisory, coaching and privacy and data.” ■
Superb Support from Southampton Legal Community
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fter a disruptive year for charities, London Legal Support (LLST) is delighted that 15 organisations have already signed up to the Southampton Legal Walk on Monday 5 July. The 10k evening walk will navigate through the beautiful Southampton Common, offering walkers the chance to catch up with their peers in the early evening sunshine. The Southampton Legal Walk is part of a series of regional walks in the South-East of England organised by LLST that raise vital funds to help ensure people have fair access to justice in local communities. Local charities supported by the Legal Walk include Citizens Advice services in Southampton, Winchester District, Test Valley and the New Forest to name but a few. These services are in desperate need of additional funding, with many predicting a ‘tsunami’ of increased need for legal advice this year, especially as furlough and other enhanced covid-related benefits come to an end.
the need for continuing to fundraise and raise awareness of the work of frontline free legal advice agencies in the area. Access to legal advice is vital for vulnerable people in your local area to overcome poverty and distress caused by housing, employment, or debt issues. There is no sign-up fee and no minimum fundraising target to join the walk, so it couldn’t be easier to take part. Join in with your firm or organisation and enjoy a great summer walk, all to raise money for a meaningful cause! LLST is keen to build on the success of the 2019 walk at which an incredible £9,600 was raised for local frontline free legal advice services. Your support is desperately needed by so many in 2021 and beyond. Thank you to the teams already signed up and the supporters to help make the walk possible. We look forward to walking with you in July!
Simply sign up your team at: https:// College Chambers is delighted to be involved rebrand.ly/SouthamptonLW21 or email in the Southampton Legal Walk for 2021. the friendly events team at LLST for more information at signups@llst.org.uk. ■ After such a turbulent year, they understand HAMPSHIRELEGAL | 11
