A message from our Alumni Co-Chairs
Sarah James and Jonathan Hammond
Welcome back. It's a new term and our second Simmons Circle.
Reflecting on the past six months at Simmons & Simmons, so much has taken place. We’ve launched an ambitious new three-year business plan, released our results for the 2022/23 financial year, made promotions to partnership and held three marvellous alumni summer parties in Amsterdam, London and Bristol. We embrace and master new technologies as a next generation firm, but in-person, human, connection is still so important. We’ve both loved attending alumni social events this year and encourage you to seize these opportunities to connect with others in this network.
We want to evolve our alumni offer from 2024, to add other types of events to the social ones already happening. We’d like to feature experts in their field to expand your knowledge and broaden your horizons. Help us create this new strand by telling us what would interest you. Answer just five questions through the link on the next page, and shape what you’re offered.
Until next time, enjoy reading, listening and watching.
Featured
Stories of excellence, progress and impact from your alumni network.
In this edition we explore the significance of our connections and networks. Listen to Kunaal talk about landing at Simmons aged 16, and how an airport connects the local community. Read how Francesca found life-long mentors during her time in the London and Rome offices. Discover Vivien’s passion for Citizens Advice and how it connects the law to support ordinary people. And Chris’ reflections on his return to Simmons, made possible by the strong positive relationships he made at the firm.
The 360 Podcast - Kunaal Wharfe
Sophia Adams Bhatti (Head of Purpose and Impact at Simmons & Simmons) returns for another compelling alumni conversation. From an eye-opening encounter at Simmons aged 16 to General Counsel at a strategic airport for the north of England; Kunaal shares his path and insight into the major challenges for the air travel sector.
Nurture your network, elevate your career: the currency of connections - Francesca Romana Galletta
Francesca Romana Galletta began her legal career at Simmons in Rome and London. She worked for the firm for six years before moving in-house. In this article, she tells us about life as a regulatory lawyer in the crypto sector, her time at Simmons and the importance of her network in supporting her career progression.
"I always wanted to be a lawyer, but initially wanted to be a public prosecutor".
Good citizen: extending a helping hand - Vivien Priestley
Vivien Priestley was a professional support lawyer in the Simmons London office between 1999 and 2008. She’s recently retired after a long career, much of it devoted to working at, or volunteering at, Citizens Advice – a charitable organisation in the United Kingdom. She explains why Citizens Advice fulfils such a vital role in the UK.
"I have always been outwardly calm, even if inwardly I might be stressed – which I think people took to. I hope that lawyers thought they could come to me when they were in difficulty!"
Full Circle - Chris Simkins
An enlightening interview with Chris Simkins, Head of Contract Optimisation at Simmons, about his rollercoaster career, his passions and about joining, leaving, then re-joining the firm.
“The decision to send that speculative email triggered a sequence of events that sent my career off the beaten track, with twists and turns I never saw coming.”
Circle back - Anita Ribeiro Social Value Manager at Wates Group Ltd
Anita is part of the Wates Property Services division of Wates Group. Working with stakeholders to create and manage community investment activities and programmes to promote thriving neighbourhoods. She’s passionate about social mobility and supporting the next generation. Partners PA, CoComm, London, 1989-1998.
News
A snapshot of successes from the Simmons community.
Our people news this time focuses on promotions, a highlight for the firm during the past six months, and for some of our alumni who were recently promoted. Join us in celebrating these achievements. We also bring you again just a taste of the excellent work the firm’s been doing and exciting news about office moves.
Read on, and tell us what your achievements are so we can publish them in the next edition for the rest of the network to congratulate you.
Farewell Colin
Colin Passmore, Senior Partner from 2011 to 2021 retired from full time practice at the end of August after more than 37 years at the firm. He started as an articled clerk (trainee) with Coward Chance in September 1982 before the lure of working in Hong Kong proved too strong, and he joined Simmons & Simmons in February 1986 before moving to Asia the following month. Colin built his career at Simmons, becoming a partner in 1990. He’ll still be spending time with us as a consultant, continuing to bring his wisdom into the firm. We’ll hear more from him in the next edition, but for now, thank you Colin, and wishing you a happy retirement!
People news
A warm congratulations to all those promoted in the last few months, both alumni and current Simmons.
Will Bushill-Matthews
(Corporate, London, 2007-2012) was recently promoted to General Counsel of Cytiva’s Bioprocess business. Cytiva is part of Danaher Corporation.
Elizabeth (Liz) Ormesher
(Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure, Bristol, 2019-2021) was promoted earlier this year to Senior Legal Counsel (Global Offshore Wind) at RWE Renewables
Paul Alexander
(Capital Markets, London, 2001-2006) was recently promoted from Principal Counsel to Senior Counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Simmons promoted 13 lawyers and one Business Services professional to partner in June this year.
Newsfeed recap
In case you missed it - a selection of our recent news and deals.
Moving places
In exciting news, four of our offices are moving to new locations soon! Each move is to a building that can accommodate growing teams in the existing office. At the centre of the design for each new office is the goal to create smart, innovative spaces. For Dublin, it’s the third move in three years, reflecting the rapid growth of the firm’s business in the Irish market.
© Simmons & Simmons LLP and its licensors. All rights asserted and reserved. This document is for general guidance only. It does not contain definitive advice. Simmons & Simmons LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales with number OC352713 and with its registered office at CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9SS, United Kingdom. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and its SRA ID number is 533587. The word “partner” refers to a member of Simmons & Simmons LLP or one of its affiliates, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications. A list of members and other partners together with their professional qualifications