May 27, 2026
Ed Llewelyn-Evans, a partner in Kobre & Kim’s London office, discusses complex cross-border litigation, building a practice through the firm’s collaborative global model, and mentoring the next generation of litigators at a disputes-only firm.
What attracted you to Kobre & Kim?
The opportunity to work at a disputes-only firm on one-of-a-kind cross-border high-stakes litigation, where I would get to deploy genuinely creative and unconventional strategies to address clients’ underlying problems, while collaborating daily with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions.
How has your career journey led you to partnership?
My path to partnership was not something I mapped out from day one as a trainee lawyer, but it evolved naturally as my responsibilities, sense of ownership and case experience grew. Over time, in addition to immersing myself in technical and interesting areas of the law, I really enjoyed building lasting client relationships, taking the lead on complex matters, and mentoring junior lawyers. As I became more invested in Kobre & Kim’s success—its people, culture, and long-term direction—I began to see partnership not just as a milestone, but as an opportunity to contribute at a higher level. Reaching partnership reflects years of growth, hard work, and a genuine commitment to the law, Kobre & Kim and the clients we serve, and I am excited to continue developing at the firm and see what the future holds.
What experiences or milestones have shaped your career as a litigator?
My career as a litigator has been shaped by a series of experiences that gradually taught me not only the importance of being an expert in respect of technical legal matters but how to advocate effectively and serve as a trusted advisor to clients. Early on, I was given real responsibility—developing complex strategies, managing client expectations, and making consequential decisions. Over time, handling high-stakes and complex disputes sharpened my ability to think strategically, stay calm under pressure, and focus on what truly drives a case toward a successful outcome. Equally influential have been the mentors and colleagues who challenged and inspired me, and the clients who placed their trust in me. Those relationships reinforced the value of clear communication, empathy, and perspective, and shaped my approach to litigation as both rigorous and human—focused not only on results, but on guiding clients through difficult moments with clarity and care.
How have you built your practice and client relationships within Kobre & Kim’s collaborative, global model?
Beyond technical excellence, building a successful litigation practice and lasting client relationships requires taking the time to truly understand what a client is trying to achieve—and why. That client-first, problem-solving mindset has been central to how I’ve built my practice at Kobre & Kim, and it’s a shared approach across the firm.
Clients often come to us with a defined issue, but the real challenge frequently lies in the broader commercial, strategic, or cross-border context behind it. At Kobre & Kim, we are encouraged to look beyond the immediate dispute, identify the true pressure points, and understand our clients’ businesses, objectives, and priorities. We do this through close collaboration across our global offices and disciplines, drawing on different perspectives and skill sets to develop creative, effective strategies. That collaborative, globally integrated approach not only delivers better outcomes for clients—it’s also what makes building a practice here so dynamic and rewarding.
How has the firm’s international platform helped you serve clients across borders?
Kobre & Kim’s international platform and its ability to execute truly coordinated cross-border strategies were among the biggest draws to joining the firm. The ability to call on colleagues and experts around the world means we can deploy the right expertise, in the right jurisdiction, at exactly the right time—something that is critical given that many of our matters require simultaneous, multi-jurisdictional strategies. This allows us to deliver seamless, joined-up solutions that drive efficient and impactful results for clients.
At the same time, we remain a relatively lean and highly integrated firm, which creates a uniquely collaborative environment. I’ve had the opportunity to build strong personal relationships with colleagues across offices and to develop a clear understanding of their individual strengths and expertise. That level of connectivity means that when complex cross-border issues arise, we can quickly assemble the right team for each client and each challenge. It’s a model that not only benefits our clients but also gives lawyers meaningful exposure to international work and close collaboration across jurisdictions from early in their careers.
What’s a valuable piece of mentorship you’ve received at Kobre & Kim, and how has it influenced your approach to developing talent?
One of the most valuable pieces of mentorship I’ve received is to fully leverage the collective expertise around you. Kobre & Kim brings together lawyers from an exceptional range of professional backgrounds, including litigators and barristers qualified across multiple jurisdictions, King’s Counsel, and former U.S. prosecutors. That depth of experience means that when a complex problem arises, there is almost always someone within the firm who has faced a similar challenge before.
I was encouraged early on to actively collaborate, seek out different perspectives, and never hesitate to ask for input—and that mindset has shaped how I approach both client work and talent development. I encourage junior lawyers to engage broadly across the firm, learn from colleagues in different offices and practice areas, and see collaboration as a strength rather than a weakness. It not only leads to stronger, more creative outcomes for clients, but also accelerates professional growth and helps build the confidence needed to handle sophisticated, cross-border disputes.
When building a team, what qualities do you look for in associates and principals, and how do you support their growth?
Kobre & Kim’s approach begins by bringing together the right team with the right experience to rapidly identify and address the client’s core issue.
When putting together a team, I first look for people who are intellectually curious, accountable, and genuinely invested in the work. Strong legal skills are key, but I place just as much value on judgment, work ethic, and how someone shows up for clients and colleagues. I value colleagues who ask thoughtful questions, take ownership of their work, and think a step ahead rather than simply executing instructions.
Supporting colleagues’ growth is something I have always been personally invested in and that is strongly encouraged across the firm. I aim to give team members meaningful responsibility early on, supported by clear guidance and constructive feedback. I focus on explaining not just what we’re doing, but why, so they develop strategic judgment alongside technical skills. I also encourage open dialogue, mentorship, and balance, because people do their best work when they feel supported and trusted. Ultimately, my goal is to help colleagues grow into confident, independent lawyers who take pride in their work and in being part of Kobre & Kim.
What would you say to a lawyer considering a move to Kobre & Kim? What should they know about building a career here?
I would strongly encourage them to consider it. Since joining over 2.5 years ago, no day is the same—each has brought new intellectual challenges and opportunities to work on high-profile, truly unique matters. Lawyers here are trusted with significant responsibility early in their careers and are encouraged to think creatively and strategically to solve clients’ problems, rather than relying on conventional approaches.
Equally important is the people. You work alongside exceptionally bright, driven, and genuinely collaborative colleagues across the globe, which creates a dynamic and supportive environment. For lawyers looking to build a career handling complex, cross-border disputes while developing quickly and working as part of an integrated international team, it is an incredibly rewarding place to be.