Simmons & Simmons has provided outstanding support to us in facing a number of highly complicated issues’. Clients appreciate that ’they are responsive and commercially minded, but this does not come at the expense of quality or thoroughness’. Led by Andrea Finn, the group excels at managing its clients’ most complex, high-value and reputationally sensitive issues. The majority of its client base are significant investment firms, financial services companies, as well as prominent social media and multimedia groups. It is highly recommended too for its work on a variety of multi-million pound claims on issues such as whistleblowing. In addition, it has an active funds, M&A, and transactional workload. Julian Taylor is highly regarded along with Mandy Perry. Peter Lockwood plays a key role in the department too.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They dominate employment law in the financial services sector, regularly working on the most cutting edge and interesting of cases. A truly excellent team of lawyers who are a pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘Andrea Finn is simply outstanding. Fiercely bright, tenacious and pragmatic.'

  • ‘Fiona Bolton - the perfect blend of commerciality, common sense and empathy. All much needed attributes for an employment partner. Cathryn Bean - An astute operator with a calm, measured manner and keen intellect.’

  • ‘Dan Ornstein, partner: super cool, very bright, great judgement. Fiona Bolton: top drawer, hugely experienced. Peter Lockwood: clever, realistic, great to deal with. Jonathan Newman: smooth (in a good way), hard-working, intelligent, pragmatic.’

  • ‘Their global outreach and excellent associates. Olly Jones is personable and always makes himself available when issues arise. He is very experienced and able to provide quick, pragmatic solutions.’

  • ‘Significant focus on client outcomes which are commercial and practical. The rmployment team have a sharp focus on timely advice and are extremely flexible and accessible.’

  • ‘Fiona Bolton - reflective and outcome focused, Fiona demonstrates exceptional SME knowledge combined with a strong overlay of commercial outcomes.'

  • ‘Andrea Finn is exceptional. She immediately built trust with our team and provided sound and sensible advice. An outstanding lawyer and a pleasure to deal with.'

Key clients

  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • Santander
  • Wells Fargo
  • BNP Paribas
  • Checkout
  • Monzo
  • Canaccord Genuity
  • Waystone Group
  • Equiti
  • Marex Group
  • MTR
  • Ninety One
  • Stepstone
  • Future

Work highlights

  • Advising a global investment bank in relation to a multijurisdictional, multi-party claim valued at over £1bn.There is substantial regulatory interplay and scrutiny in four jurisdictions and historic criminal proceedings in a non-UK jurisdiction.
  • Advised Standard Chartered Bank in a significant redesign of their global Code of Conduct which, following workshops with groups of employees and senior stakeholders, improved the user experience by making it more inclusive, understandable and engaging for employees.
  • Advised Waystone Group on its acquisition of the UK and Irish businesses of Link Fund Solutions (LFS).

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrea Finn

Other key lawyers

Peter Lockwood, Fiona Bolton, Jonathan Newman, Cathryn Bean, Julian Taylor, Dan Ornstein, Oliver Jones, Joanna Lindley, Elizabeth Wake