In memoriam

Geoff Fuller

A&O: 1984-2021

ICM consultant and former partner Geoff Fuller, who “embodied all the values of a true A&O partner”, died in January 2021. He was 59.

Geoff was with A&O in London for more than 35 years, joining in 1984 and becoming partner ten years later. He became a consultant after retiring in 2017.

Known for greeting everyone with a smile and going out of his way to help others, he was “a joy to be around”. 

Peter Brodigan

A&O: 1952-1996

Peter Brodigan, a former senior member of the Tax department in London, died in January 2021 at the age of 84.

Peter was 16 when he joined A&O in 1952. During his 44-year career with the firm, he played a significant role in the establishment of the Tax department that exists today.

He retired in 1996.

Brian Hudd

A&O: 1989-2004

Brian Hudd, a buyer in the Finance department in A&O’s London office between 1989 and 2004, died in February 2021 at the age of 77.

Brian’s former colleagues remember his dry sense of humour. They described him as loyal, hard-working and popular with colleagues and suppliers alike. 

Richard Challinor

A&O: 1995-2021

Richard Challinor, who died in April 2021, was based for several years at A&O’s Canary Wharf office in Bank Street, where he managed the Office Assistants team. He transferred to the Mailroom in Bishops Square in 2010 when the Bank Street office closed.

Former colleagues remember him as a valuable and conscientious member of the Mailroom team, well known in the London office through his duties which took him all over the building.

Owain Morgan

A&O: 2000-2004

Owain Morgan, a former associate in A&O’s London Litigation department between 2000 and 2004, died in April 2021. He was 44.

Owain secured a graduate training contract with A&O and qualified into the Litigation department. A highlight of his time with A&O was the pro bono work he undertook, which contributed to the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in Jamaica.

Zbigniew Mrowiec

A&O: 2009-2014

Zbigniew Mrowiec, a former partner in the Warsaw office, died in April 2021 at the age of 55.

Former colleagues described him as a dynamic and driven lawyer and a  joy to work with. He was also a wonderful host to colleagues who visited Warsaw.

Providence Napoleon

A&O: 2015-2021

Providence Napoleon, an associate in A&O’s Litigation group in Washington, D.C., who was widely recognised as a top up-and-coming antitrust lawyer, died in April 2021. She was 34.

Former colleagues described her as a compassionate and loyal friend who was relentlessly positive and fiercely resilient.

Jack Hughes

A&O: 1938-1985

Jack Hughes, who died at the age of 101 in July 2021, was the leader of A&O’s Pensions practice for many years in the London office. He retired in 1985 after 47 years of service.

Jack’s former colleagues described him as being, in every sense, a true gentleman who was prepared to give of his time and knowledge to anyone who sought his help.

Katrin Stapper

A&O: 2000-2021

Katrin Stapper, who was Head of HR in Germany, died in July 2021 at the age of 52.

Katrin joined A&O in 2000 and was well known across the A&O network. She was a valued member of the HR team and worked tirelessly in Germany for more than 20 years.

Ron Cook

A&O: 1968-1994

Ron Cook worked in A&O’s Property department in London for 26 years before retiring in 1994. He died in September 2021 at the age of 87.

Ron was in former partner Rod Brown’s team for a number of years until he retired. Rod recalls: “I was in my late 30s when he joined me, and he never ceased to be amused at the incongruity of working for, as he put it, a young lad like me.

“But he was utterly charming, albeit occasionally grumpy when he thought that a lawyer on the other side was being unreasonable...He worked hard and competently. Most of all, he was reliable, and got the job done. I remember him fondly.”

Greet Vanslambrouck

A&O: 2001-2021

Greet Vanslambrouck, counsel of A&O’s Banking practice in Belgium, died in September 2021. She was 50.

Greet had been with A&O for more than 20 years; she was promoted to counsel in 2006. She gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues with her warmth, kindness, intelligence and professionalism.