Simmons & Simmons has promoted four women to partner as part of a reduced round of just nine partner promotions globally, with London promotions also dropping this year.
The nine promotions announced today (30 April) is a dip from last year’s 12, but being 45% female exceeds the firm’s commitment to have women comprise 30% of all managing associate and partner promotions each year. The promotions span a variety of locations and practise areas, although with only four being made up in London, compared to seven last year.
Paula Macnamara and Patrick Boyd join the firm’s London banking and corporate teams respectively, while George Morris completes the London line-up in the information, communication and technology practice. Olly Jones, meanwhile, joins the firm’s employment practice in Bristol and London.
Elsewhere, Caroline Turner-Inskip joins the firm’s Bristol real estate offering, while Céline Larmet joins the Paris office in financial markets. Amanda Lees and Jonathan Quie were made up in Singapore, and Daniel Kendziur joins the Munich IP practice.
Simmons & Simmons’ senior partner Colin Passmore commented on the round: ‘Their promotions highlight the firm’s diverse range of talent across all practices and sectors. I look forward to working with these individuals and helping their personal development as they in turn help to take the firm forward.’
He told Legal Business: ‘Over the last few years there has been a concerted effort to recognise gender balance. We’ve been focusing on our female talent and we’re starting to see the fruits of that coming through.’
Simmons’ promotions come as firms face more scrutiny for ensuring diversity and parity at the top end of law, with Clifford Chance (CC) being the latest firm to announce a stronger round for women.
thomas.alan@legalbusiness.co.uk
Simmons & Simmons partner promotions in full:
Paula Macnamara – London, banking
Patrick Boyd – London, corporate
George Morris – London, information, communications and technology
Olly Jones – Bristol/London, employment
Caroline Turner-Inskip – Bristol, real estate
Daniel Kendziur – Munich, intellectual property
Céline Larmet – Paris, financial markets
Jonathan Quie – Singapore, financial markets
Amanda Lees – Singapore, dispute resolution
