David Stewart (pictured), who unexpectedly stepped down as Olswang chief executive at the end of 2014 following a clash with other partners, has taken up a post at freelance arbitrator hub JAMS International.
Stewart’s shock exit at the end of 2014 came halfway through a three-year term as chief executive. He had effectively led the firm since 2007, when he became managing partner. That role was dropped as part of Olswang’s management restructure in 2010, at which point Stewart became chief executive.
In June last year Stewart resurfaced at Caribbean firm Griffiths & Partners to handle offshore disputes work. He will now be available on JAMS’ roster of arbitrators and mediators, serving on panels in London, New York and Miami, while also being tasked with building up the offshore disputes market in the Caribbean.
Stewart will reunite with Olswang’s former head of arbitration, Andrew Aglionby, at JAMS after the arbitration lawyer said in November 2014 he would leave the firm to avoid the conflicts that come with law firm partnerships. JAMS functions like a barristers’ chambers, but also has its own arbitration rules and centres to hold arbitration and mediation proceedings.
JAMS president Chris Poole said: ‘David is a leader and innovator in the legal services field and it is a pleasure to welcome him aboard. Extending our financial services offering in London and New York into the offshore market is an important development for JAMS, and David’s energy, expertise and enthusiasm for alternative dispute resolution is a perfect fit.’
Stewart added: ‘My clients and I have experienced the benefit of well-organised and focused alternative dispute resolution throughout my career, and I am looking forward to using my experience of resolving disputes involving parties of many different cultures and backgrounds, and in particular focusing on disputes in the offshore legal services market.’
tom.moore@legalease.co.uk
