Law.com names Karla Hughes and Nadia Pascal as female rising stars

The female rising stars list honours young women lawyers across the UK who have shown exceptional achievement and potential in their legal careers. The list is based on nominations from law firms, clients, peers and industry experts, and reflects the diversity, talent and innovation of the legal profession.

Karla Hughes is Head of Trademark and Design Prosecution, Belfast, and last year advised a global financial institution on the complete overhaul of its trademark portfolio and co-ordinated a multijurisdictional dispute for one of the world’s largest alcoholic beverage companies. Having joined A&O back in 2019, Karla has built up her local IP team working with teams across the global A&O network on high profile matters.

Nadia Pascal is a senior associate in the Financial Services Regulation team in London. She has advised some of the world’s largest banks and fund managers, including the USD27billion sale of Refinitiv to the London Stock Exchange Group. Last year alone, she worked across a whole range of issues from advising a Middle Eastern financial services regulator on new frameworks for the region, to advising a leading financial institution on blockchain technologies.

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner of A&O, commented: "We are delighted that Karla and Nadia have been recognised as female rising stars by Law.com, which celebrates the best and brightest the UK legal industry has to offer. They are both outstanding lawyers who have demonstrated excellence, leadership and innovation in their respective fields. They are also role models and mentors for the next generation of women lawyers both at A&O and beyond. We congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to their continued success."