Simmons chief has bumper two years

Simmons & Simmons' figures for 2007-08 are a ringing endorsement of managing partner Mark Dawkins.

When Dawkins took over in 2005, average profit per equity partner (PEP) was floundering at £385,000, with partners jumping ship as a result.

Since then it has risen steadily, and this year tore past the firm's stated target of ;£600,000 ;to ;hit £647,000, an increase of more than £100,000, or almost 22 per cent. This is still far short of the firm's ambitions of yesteryear to join the magic circle, but is nevertheless no mean feat.