Simmons targets banks, energy in litigation drive

Simmons & Simmons partners have given the go-ahead to a major push on its international dispute resolution practice in a bid to attract big-hitting clients from the banking and energy sectors.

The global partnership-endorsed objectives also include significantly expanding its offices in Germany and Spain during the next year and exceeding a profit per equity partner of £500,000 within the next three years.

Simmons & Simmons managing partner Mark Dawkins said: "The banking and energy sectors are heavily regulated and litigation and regulatory matters are big concerns that these companies have when deciding which firm they will instruct.

"Our international dispute resolution practice has always been strong, but I think we can do more to make sure that clients and targeted clients are aware of our capabilities."

Dawkins said he plans to double the size of the firm's Düsseldorf and Frankfurt offices and treble the number of fee-earners in its Madrid office.

"Now's the time to be bold," he said. "We've been trying to increase numbers organically in Germany for a while now, and its time we were more active and hired laterally."