Stephen is the firm's Global Markets Partner with overall responsibility for leading and co-ordinating our approach to markets in which we do not yet have an established presence and for co-ordinating our relationships with associated firms and with firms in new markets with whom we may wish to establish formal ties (referral firms). In addition, he is A&O's global representative with regulatory and professional bodies such as the IBA.

From 2007 until 2009 he was International Development partner with a wide ranging role relating to the global development of the firm. From 1997 until 2007, he was Regional Managing Partner for Europe, with overall responsibility for the firm's Continental European offices. From 2003 to 2006 he was co-managing partner of the Italian offices of the firm. From 1990 until 1997, he was the partner in charge of co-ordinating the activities of the firm's Central and Eastern European practice group and had overall responsibility for its offices in Warsaw, Prague, Budapest and Moscow. He headed the Warsaw office from 1995 - 1997 and the Frankfurt office from 1998 to 2000.

His professional work has included M&A, privatisations, flotations and take-over bids in many parts of Europe. He frequently chairs and speaks at conferences on a range of topics relating to law firm development and management.