RPC strengthens Professional & Financial Risk practice as Michelle Johnston joins as Partner

International law firm RPC has appointed Michelle Johnston as a Partner in its Bristol office, strengthening the firm's growing Professional & Financial Risk (PFR) practice and enhancing its support for insurers and professional services clients facing complex claims and high-value disputes.

Michelle brings over 20 years of experience advising and defending professionals, with a particular focus on claims involving solicitors and barristers. Alongside her disputes practice, Michelle specialises in advising insurers on coverage and policy risks across PI and D&O.

Michelle's appointment follows the promotion of four Partners in the PFR team: Tom Lloyd, James Ainsworth, Andrew Oberholzer and Tom Wild; and the promotion of two Of Counsel, Jo Makin and Susan Periselneris. The firm's PFR practice has grown immensely over the last six years, boasting over 100 lawyers across four offices, offering comprehensive counsel to various professions and professionals.

Rachael Healey, Partner at RPC, commented: "Michelle is a widely respected professional liability specialist with a strong track record defending complex claims for professional services firms and insurers. Her depth in coverage and financial lines issues, combined with her practical approach to resolving disputes, will be a real asset to our clients and to our brilliant PFR team."

Partner and RPC's Head of Insurance Simon Laird, added: "Michelle brings exactly the blend of technical excellence, commercial judgement and client focus that our PFR practice is known for. Her arrival will further strengthen our ability to support insurers and professional services firms on their most challenging matters."

Michelle is recognised for her work on large, technically complex and multi-party matters, frequently with an international dimension. She spent several years practising overseas, including in Sydney, Australia, and is a qualified Mediator, accredited by the Civil Mediation Council (CMC). 

Michelle is also a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL). She is recommended for Professional Negligence (South West) by The Legal 500 UK 2026 with the guide noting that she is "a key contact for national and international law firms, advising on coverage under solicitors PI and D&O policies".

Commenting on joining the firm, Michelle said: "RPC has an outstanding reputation for its work in the professional liability market, and I am delighted to be joining the Bristol team. I look forward to building on the firm's strong track record and practice, and to supporting the continued development of the PFR team."