Edwin Coe has announced a leadership transition within its corporate team, with Russel Shear stepping down as head of department and Daniel Bellau taking on the role.

Russel, who has been at Edwin Coe since 1994, has played a central role in shaping the firm’s corporate offering and building its reputation in the mid-market M&A and equity capital markets space. He will remain with the firm ahead of his planned retirement, with the transition brought forward to allow for a structured handover and continuity for clients.

Under his leadership, the team has established a strong position advising entrepreneurs, SMEs and investors on a wide range of transactions, supported by consistent recognition in The Legal 500 rankings. The corporate practice has been ranked across M&A and equity capital markets, with both Russel and Daniel recognised for their commercial, pragmatic approach and expertise in smaller deal transactions.

Daniel, who joined Edwin Coe as a corporate finance partner, brings extensive experience across public and private M&A, private equity and venture capital investments, and equity capital markets transactions including AIM and Main Market work. His client base spans entrepreneurs, funds and listed SMEs, with particular strength in sectors including real estate, TMT, leisure and hospitality.

Since joining the firm in January 2021 as Partner, he has been instrumental in expanding the corporate practice, including advising on transactions such as fundraisings, acquisitions and public market activity. The wider team has also supported a range of capital markets work, including main market placings such as the Predator Oil & Gas transaction, reflecting its growing capability in listed and growth company mandates.

The corporate team has expanded significantly over the past 18 months, incorporating financial services, digital and banking and finance capabilities. Now comprising close to 20 lawyers, it plays a central role in connecting work across the firm, particularly with real estate, tax, IP, employment and restructuring, and supporting Edwin Coe’s wider private capital and private wealth offering.

Speaking on the transition, Russel said
“It has been a privilege to lead the corporate team and to see it develop into the strong, well-regarded practice it is today. Daniel has been instrumental in that journey, particularly in expanding our capabilities and strengthening our position in the market. This transition reflects the direction the team is already moving in, and I am confident it will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

Daniel added
“This is a natural next step for the team. We have built real momentum over the past 18 months, broadening our capabilities and deepening our client relationships, particularly across financial services and digital.

There is a clear opportunity to continue that growth. Corporate sits at the centre of how we deliver for clients, bringing together expertise from across the firm to support increasingly complex transactions. My focus will be on scaling the team, developing our transactional and equity capital markets capabilities, and ensuring we are well positioned to support clients as their needs evolve.”

The transition reflects a broader strategic focus within Edwin Coe on strengthening its non-contentious offering and driving closer collaboration across practice areas.

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