Craig Emden

Craig Emden is the Chairman and General Counsel of Howard Kennedy. He is also a commercial litigator with over 40 years’ experience acting for clients across a number of industries and sectors.

Craig served as the firm's Managing Partner from 2017 to 2025, having also served as joint Managing Partner from 2013 to 2017. As Chairman, Craig covers several elements, including the role of General Counsel, working with the risk, business development finance and recruitment teams on strategic initiatives and mentoring those with aspirations of partnership. In his capacity as General Counsel, Craig provides legal oversight and strategic risk management for the firm, drawing on his decades of experience in complex litigation and professional practice.

Craig is a solicitor known for his clear, commercial advice on all aspects of commercial and real estate litigation, both domestic and international. His areas of expertise include sports-related litigation, corporate and partnership disputes (particularly shareholder disputes), professional negligence, insolvency, and general commercial litigation. His clients range from individual entrepreneurs and partnerships to major PLCs.

On the sports side, Craig acts for football managers and other coaching staff, players, and agents.

Craig’s aim is always to alleviate pressure from his clients, fully understand their goals, and achieve those outcomes as efficiently and painlessly as possible.