Haynes Boone has appointed William Cecil as United Kingdom General Counsel, a move that underscores the firm’s ongoing expansion in London and the increasing complexity of its international legal and regulatory operations. In this new role, Cecil will collaborate closely with Haynes Boone’s General Counsel, Ben Mesches, and the Office of the General Counsel in Dallas to enhance coordination on cross-border compliance and internal legal matters.
Cecil, who joined Haynes Boone in 2016 following the firm’s merger with Curtis Davis Garrard LLP, has been a pivotal figure in the firm’s London office. He previously served as the managing partner of the London office and has led the dispute resolution practice there. While assuming his new responsibilities, Cecil will continue his active practice in shipping dispute resolution. Corporate Partner Nick Davis, who joined the firm as co-office managing partner in February 2025, will now continue in that role independently.
Managing Partner Taylor Wilson commented on the appointment: “As our London office and international platform continue to grow, so does the volume of international matters. Will has played a central role in the evolution of our London office and has long been deeply involved in both legal and regulatory matters there. This appointment formally recognizes his leadership and ensures we have trusted, on-the-ground support aligned with our U.S.-based GC team.” ([haynesboone.com](https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/haynes-boone-appoints-william-cecil-as-uk-general-counsel?utm_source=openai))
The creation of the UK General Counsel position reflects the firm’s expanding footprint in London and the highly regulated environment in which UK law firms operate. Cecil’s new role acknowledges the broader scope of legal work associated with the firm’s international growth and increasing cross-border activities.
Reflecting on his new role, Cecil stated: “Over the past decade, I have worked closely with colleagues across the London office as it has grown from a small group into a much broader, international practice. This role recognizes the growth of our outpost in London, and it is ultimately about supporting the people doing that work.” ([haynesboone.com](https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/haynes-boone-appoints-william-cecil-as-uk-general-counsel?utm_source=openai))
In line with its growth strategy, Haynes Boone’s London office is set to relocate at the end of 2025 to support expanded corporate and international activities across the Eastern Hemisphere. The firm recently advised on the largest U.S. IPO in London by market cap since early 2015 and is recognized for advising the largest number of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market. ([haynesboone.com](https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/haynes-boone-appoints-william-cecil-as-uk-general-counsel?utm_source=openai))
This appointment is part of a series of strategic moves by Haynes Boone to bolster its international presence. In January 2025, the firm appointed Ben Mesches, a leader of its Appellate Practice Group, as the new General Counsel, succeeding Stacy Brainin. ([haynesboone.com](https://www.haynesboone.com/news/press-releases/haynes-boone-appoints-appellate-chair-ben-mesches-as-new-general-counsel?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, in March 2025, the firm expanded its London corporate practice by hiring Lesley Gregory as a corporate partner, further strengthening its cross-border transactional capabilities. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/haynes-boone-hires-lesley-gregory-as-corporate-partner-in-london?utm_source=openai))
These developments highlight Haynes Boone’s commitment to enhancing its global operations and providing comprehensive legal services to its clients across various jurisdictions.