Employment

Simmons & Simmons has a leading employment law practice that advises employers across a wide range of issues, with strengths in complex litigation and transactional support. The firm also assists clients with the full spectrum of advisory matters, including investigations and sensitive disciplinary mandates. It provides a deep bench of skilled lawyers who are highly experienced in acting for high-profile clients from the financial services sector, especially investment banks, hedge funds and asset managers. The firm also advises TMT and public sector clients, as well as other law firms.

"Simmons quickly understand the issues, reflect and offer good advice with pragmatism."

"There are a number of experts within the firm who can be called in for specialist topics and provide really great support."

"The team at Simmons & Simmons are exceptionally knowledgeable and can translate this into relevant client advance, as well as helpful industry updates for clients and other contacts."

Julian Taylor is the senior partner at Simmons & Simmons. He maintains his reputation as a go-to adviser for major employers on contentious and non-contentious matters. Taylor regularly advises clients on whistle-blowing, restrictive covenants and the employment implications of corporate transactions. "Julian is absolutely brilliant. He is very knowledgeable and client-friendly." "He is an excellent client relationship partner who still retains ownership and oversight. Julian is the first port of call for anything big and significant because he is so responsive. We couldn't ask for anything more from him." "Julian is a great of the employment law world. He is completely unflappable and utterly calm at all times. He has enormous experience to call upon and looks at problems from the perspective of his clients' commercial needs."

Andrea Finn heads the UK employment offering at Simmons & Simmons. She is considered a trusted employment adviser by leading financial services firms and handles a wide variety of work including whistle-blowing claims, investigations and advice on the SMRC. "I don't know many lawyers who devote themselves to their cases as much as Andrea does. Andrea works with the crème de la crème of clients but will never rest on her laurels." "She understands the commercial reality and the politics of matters, and really gets under the skin. She is absolutely in the thick of it." "Andrea is really impressive to work with and really stands out for her exceptional legal strategy. She knows how to carve a case out from beginning to end."

Daniel Ornstein has standout knowledge of the employment issues affecting the asset management industry and is regularly sought out by fund managers. "Dan is ultra-commercial and pragmatic. He clearly understands our business and is a great strategic adviser."

Fiona Bolton handles a full range of contentious and non-contentious work for financial services clients. She has substantial disputes experience, often acting in both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court. "Fiona is very client-oriented and a real pleasure to work with." "We have a high regard for Fiona's expertise and professionalism. She is highly responsive, intuitive and pragmatic." "Fiona is extremely knowledgeable and a true professional."

Mandy Perry is a partner at Simmons & Simmons who has substantial expertise in advising major employers on both complex contentious and non-contentious employment matters. She is skilled at counselling clients on discrimination, whistle-blowing, sexual harassment and unfair dismissal claims. "Mandy is wonderful to work with and exceptional in all areas of her practice." "We really appreciate Mandy's ability to provide practical advice and guidance. She is always willing to support and be available to deal with urgent matters." "She demonstrates a strong understanding of our business context and offers proportionate advice in line with our circumstances." "Mandy is my absolute go-to on employment matters. She is technically excellent but also highly empathetic and pragmatic."

Oliver Jones is best known for his work advising financial services clients on employment matters. His expertise includes a full range of employment litigation and issues relating to the SMCR. Jones also has substantial experience advising fintech businesses on employment law matters. "Olly is our trusted legal adviser for all matters regarding employment law. We are continually impressed by his expertise, commerciality, pragmatism and solution orientation." "He is someone who provides solution-driven legal advice that is straight to the point." "Olly is an excellent legal partner for us - we could not sing his praises more highly and really value and respect his advice. He is a real credit to Simmons & Simmons."

Peter Lockwood is a managing associate at Simmons & Simmons who advises international banks and FTSE 250 companies on a wide spectrum of employment issues. His capabilities span both litigation and non-contentious matters. "Peter is highly personable and has a breadth of knowledge. His industry expertise has been invaluable." "We receive excellent support and advice from Peter at all times." "He is brilliant - Peter is a superstar on the SMCR and financial services sector more broadly." "Peter is an exceptional lawyer. He is highly pragmatic and never sits on the fence." "He is always one step ahead and understands what the client wants."