Mishcon de Reya has elected Daniel Naftalin as its new Managing Partner. Daniel will take over from James Libson in summer 2026 following a transition period. He was elected by Partners with a strong mandate.
Daniel joined the firm in 1998 and has been a Partner since 2004. He is currently Chair of the Employment department and sits on the Management Board. Daniel advises on complex employment matters, both contentious and non-contentious, and, as Chair, he has overseen substantial growth of the firm’s market-leading Employment practice.
Daniel will serve as Managing Partner supported by an Executive Partner team of Johanna Walsh and Daniel Levy, alongside the Chairs and other senior management, including the Operations Board. In addition to supporting Daniel in the management of the firm and the delivery of its strategic objectives, the Executive Partners will continue to advise and support their clients without change.
Johanna Walsh leads the White Collar Crime and Investigations team as well as one of two divisions in the Dispute Resolution department. She joined the firm as a partner in January 2019 and sat on the firm’s Management Board for five years until 2025.
Daniel Levy leads the Real Estate Litigation team and is Division Head of Property Litigation and Construction. He joined the firm in 2006, founding and leading the Real Estate Litigation team. He has sat on the Management Board since 2025 and, for the past two years, has served as Partners’ representative on the Operations Board.
James Libson, Managing Partner at Mishcon de Reya, said:
“I am delighted that Daniel has been elected as the new Managing Partner. His deep understanding of and commitment to the firm is unrivalled. He has exciting plans to continue to grow Mishcon de Reya as an outstanding law firm delivering exceptional work for clients and to sustain its high performing and values led culture.’
Daniel Naftalin, Managing Partner-elect of Mishcon de Reya, said:
“I am so delighted and excited that my partners have put their faith in me to lead this exceptional firm. I care deeply about Mishcon de Reya, its people, what it stands for, and its place in an increasingly competitive market. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the firm is even stronger at the end of my tenure than it is today. "
“I want to guide Mishcon de Reya to a successful, profitable, and sustainable future where we continue to shape our own destiny, attract and retain talent and guarantee success for future generations. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Employment department will elect a new Chair and there is a strong leadership team already in place to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.