Astraea launches special situations advisory panel to tackle complex business challenges
ASTRAEA, a multidisciplinary legal and professional services firm, has launched a special situations advisory panel (SSAP).
The SSAP brings together some of the UK’s most respected corporate problem-solvers — Sir Michael Rake, Kathryn Ludlow, and Simon Lewis OBE — to provide expert support and guidance to clients facing potentially existential threats and complex legal, commercial, regulatory, and reputational issues.
“The unique experience and strategic skills brought to Astraea by the Special Situations Advisory Panel is a step change in our offering to clients," explained James Ramsden KC, co-founder of Astraea.
"Protecting and promoting a client’s interests is not always a purely legal equation. It’s about problem-solving, strategy, and commercial understanding. Astraea is at the forefront of this skillset in the legal sector.”
Nina Stewart, co-founder of Astraea, added: “We are thrilled to launch our special situations panel, bringing together an exceptional group of high-profile individuals with deep expertise in navigating complex legal and business challenges.
"Their diverse perspectives and strategic insights will be invaluable to our clients as they tackle critical issues and seize emerging opportunities.”
Sir Michael Rake, Kathryn Ludlow and Simon Lewis OBE join Astraea’s existing partners - James Ramsden KC (leading international disputes Silk), Nina Stewart (chartered accountant, chartered tax advisor and experienced finance professional), Piers Rake (forensic investigator and former head of financial crime investigations at Barclays), Robert Bedford (seasoned cross-border litigator), and Oliver Mishcon (highly regarded barrister focused on high-value commercial disputes and regulatory issues) - to provide unparalleled expertise and strategic counsel during pivotal business moments.
About Astraea’s special situations advisors
Sir Michael Rake: Sir Michael is a highly regarded business leader and corporate trouble-shooter known for guiding major companies through crises, offering strategic counsel on complex legal, financial, and regulatory issues, and advising UK Prime Ministers.
He has held senior leadership roles at KPMG, BT, Barclays, and easyJet, and currently chairs and advises several companies including NewDay, Wireless Logic, and Elliot Advisors.
Kathryn Ludlow: Kathryn is a UK and Hong Kong qualified lawyer. During her 31-year career at Linklaters, she specialised in complex investigations and dispute resolution in the UK and internationally. Her clients included major accountancy firms, banks, and corporates.
Kathryn is also a non-executive director at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Simon Lewis OBE: Simon is a highly experienced strategic communications advisor specialising in crisis management and public relations for high-profile clients. His career includes leadership roles at NatWest, Centrica, Vodafone, Buckingham Palace, and 10 Downing Street.
He has also served as CEO of the Association for Financial Markets in Europe and co-hosts the BBC Sounds podcast 'When it Hits the Fan'.
Sir Michael Rake commented on joining Astraea’s Special Situations Advisory Panel: “I am delighted to become a Senior Advisor to Astraea and its clients. Throughout my career, I’ve always felt the need for a multidisciplinary capability involving both branches of the legal profession, dispute resolution, crisis response, and forensic capabilities.
"This is critical in complex and sensitive situations. Astraea is one of the few firms to have brought this concept to life.”
Simon Lewis OBE added: “I am looking forward to joining Astraea’s Special Situations Advisory Panel. I am an admirer of the team who are building an innovative and exciting advisory business. I hope that my background leading corporate communications at Executive Committee level in global companies including Vodafone and Centrica and in public life through Senior roles at 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, can help the team navigate the complex and changing global situation which clients face.”
Kathryn Ludlow said: “I am really delighted to be involved in Astraea’s special situation advisory panel. I look forward to bringing to the table my experience gained over many years of representing clients in complex, multi jurisdictional and litigious situations.”
