Fox Williams
- Founded
- 1989-01-01 in London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- mail@foxwilliams.com
- Phone
- +44 20-7628-2000
Fox Williams is a City of London business law firm built around the commercial ambitions of its clients, particularly those navigating international expansion, regulatory change, and sector-specific challenges. Founded in 1989 by Ronnie Fox and Tina Williams, the firm has grown into a highly regarded independent practice with a reputation for deep sector insight in financial and professional services, technology, fintech, and employment law. Its lawyers are recognised for delivering expert legal insight with a commercial focus, often handling cross-jurisdictional work for clients ranging from high-growth fintech startups to established multinationals. The firm operates solely from its London headquarters and maintains a network of trusted correspondent law firms globally rather than opening overseas branches. Fox Williams is especially active in eight key sectors: fashion, financial services, fintech, natural resources, professional services and partnerships, technology, publishing and digital media, and travel. Its client base includes many businesses structured as LLPs, such as hedge funds, private equity, and asset management firms. The firm also has a notable practice in civil fraud, asset recovery, and non-financial misconduct, and it frequently advises clients on FCA authorisation, product launches, outsourcing, and platform agreements in the payments and fintech space.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Fox Williams was founded in 1989 by Ronnie Fox and Tina Williams. Ronnie Fox left the firm in 2006 to establish Fox (now Fox & Partners), and Tina Williams has since retired. In 2023, the firm appointed Gavin Foggo as Senior Partner, signalling a generational leadership transition.
Business Model and Practice Areas
The firm operates as an LLP and focuses on business law with a strong emphasis on financial services, technology, and regulated sectors. Its core practice areas include corporate and M&A, commercial law, dispute resolution, employment and HR, immigration, intellectual property, data protection and privacy, real estate, partnerships and LLPs, and regulatory or white-collar defence. A significant portion of its work is international, with particular focus on Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, the Middle East, Singapore, the USA, and European jurisdictions such as Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia, and Switzerland.
Market Position and Recognition
Fox Williams is consistently ranked by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with clients praising the team's ability to cover all issues in detail and explain them in relatively simple language. The firm is particularly recognised for its market-leading employment and partnership practice, advising law firms, companies, and directors on complex partnership disputes and City whistle-blowing cases. It also represents publishers in the threat posed by AI companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
Key Clients and Partnerships
The firm advises a diverse range of clients, from high-growth fintech startups to established multinationals. Its client base includes many businesses structured as LLPs, such as hedge funds, private equity, and asset management firms. In the fintech and payments space, Fox Williams helps clients with FCA authorisation, product launches, outsourcing, SaaS arrangements, and platform agreements.
Recent Developments and Leadership
Gavin Foggo became Senior Partner in May 2023, succeeding the previous leadership. Jeremy Gubbay serves as Chief Operating Officer, managing operations including finance, IT, HR, risk management, and office services. The firm has made lateral hires in civil fraud and asset recovery, expanding its dispute resolution capabilities. It continues to operate solely from its London City office with a network of correspondent law firms worldwide.
Key Products
Commercial & Technology
Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements, IP licensing, data protection, and commercial contracts.
Employment & Partnership Law
A market-leading practice advising on executive terminations, whistle-blowing, partnership disputes, and LLP structures.
Dispute Resolution & Civil Fraud
Litigation, arbitration, asset recovery, and regulatory defence, with a growing civil fraud practice.
Sector Specialisms
Dedicated teams for Fashion, Professional Services (Law Firms), Natural Resources, Publishing & Digital Media, Travel, and Technology.
Corporate & M&A
Advising on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and cross-border transactions, particularly in financial services and technology.
Financial Services & Fintech
Regulatory advisory, FCA authorisation, product launches, outsourcing, and platform agreements for banks, payments firms, and fintech companies.
Data Protection & Privacy
Advising on GDPR, cyber security, and data-driven business models, especially for adtech and fintech clients.
Immigration
Business immigration for companies relocating staff to the UK.
Offices & Headcount
250 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
- Gavin Foggo
Senior Partner
- Ronnie Fox
Founder