Ursula Johnston joins Gowling’s trade team

International law firm Gowling WLG has strengthened its international trade team with the appointment of Ursula Johnston as Director, Customs and Trade.

Ursula joins from Ernst & Young, where she was the Brexit lead for their Customs and Trade (EMEIA) group. As an experienced customs and export controls specialist, Ursula has advised businesses from all sectors and many blue-chip clients on a diverse range of customs, excise and cross-border regulatory trade matters. With more than 12 years’ experience of working in both EU and Asian markets – including being based in Singapore for five years with PwC – she is skilled in managing complex global projects and leading interactions with businesses, governments and authorities.

On joining the firm, Ursula Johnston, said: “At a pivotal time for business, I am excited to bring my expertise to Gowling WLG’s Customs and Trade practice. As a Global Top 100 law firm, Gowling WLG has a reputation for providing a truly global service, based on a forward looking sector and people-focused approach. My role will be to support that vision further by extending the breadth of expertise already being provided to clients by the firm’s dedicated International Trade team and Brexit Unit.”

Partner and Head of EU, Trade and Competition, Bernardine Adkins, added: “It is fantastic to welcome Ursula on board at a time when there is a crucial need for business to secure its routes to market, irrespective of the possible outcome of Brexit. She will be working closely with me and the other co-heads of our Brexit Unit, partner David Lowe and director Kieran Laird, as we anticipate and support clients’ changing commercial dynamics as business adapts to a new legal and regulatory environment.”

Gowling WLG’s Brexit Unit combines international expertise from across the full spectrum of the firm’s legal and sector teams. Together, this more than 35-strong unit is helping clients to not only tackle the challenges Brexit presents, but also seize the opportunities open to those with an entrepreneurial approach to business growth.