Michael Simkins hires former Addleshaws employment partner

Mark McQuillan trained at Addleshaw Goddard, qualifying in 1996 and becoming a partner in 2002. He remained there until June of this year, after which he spent a short period at Dawsons before joining Michael Simkins last month.

McQuillan said that the attraction to him of Michael Simkins was the high proportion of former Addleshaws lawyers, as well as those from Addleshaws legacy firm Theodore Goddard.

He added: “There’s an opportunity here to build an employment practice, but for me the attraction is that there are quite a few lawyers from Addleshaw Gooddard - people I really liked and they’re all as bright as a button.”

McQuillan’s practice focuses on employers and senior executives with a specialism in the retail and financial services sectors, although he has in the past advised singer Van Morrison on the defence of a sexual harassment case (3 February 2003).

Addleshaws divisional head of employment Malcolm Pike said: “We’re not looking to replace [McQuillan]. At the time he left we promoted two people to partner. The team’s going very well and we’re very optimistic for the future.”

Dawsons head of employment Jo Keddie said: “Mark has moved on. He’s gone back to his former alma mater. I do wish him well and he goes with my blessing.”