Kirsten Hewson

Kirsten Hewson is Chair of Shoosmiths; responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the firm and oversight and accountability of the operations, financial performance, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Kirsten is known for her commercial approach to law, her business acumen, leadership of people and commitment to corporate responsibility. Kirsten is passionate about putting what matters for our clients at the heart of everything we do, developing our people, creating pathways for our future leaders, fostering an inclusive culture and upholding ethics across the firm.

A refreshingly “outside-in” thinker who is not afraid to challenge law firm norms, she is valued by clients, and by Shoosmiths’ leadership team, for her strategic insights.

Before being appointed Chair, Kirsten was the divisional head of the national real estate division, having previously created the National Planning Law Group.

Kirsten is a "very respected" planning lawyer who has been recognised for over 20 years in Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a leading individual.

Kirsten joined Shoosmiths in 2003 from a city firm. Lead the Solent office from 2008 - 2010 when she became head of planning. Kirsten was elected to Shoosmiths’ partnership council from 2015 to 2018, joined the board as divisional head of real estate in 2018, before becoming Chair in 2024.