Colin Passmore, former Senior Partner at Simmons & Simmons, has today been recognised with the Honorary King's Counsel (KC Honoris Causa) award – one of the highest honours in the legal profession in England and Wales.
Conferred by the King on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor, the Honorary KC award recognises exceptional contributions to the law of England and Wales.
Colin Passmore has spent over three influential decades at Simmons & Simmons, including serving as Senior Partner for ten years between 2011 and 2021.
Today, Colin is chairman of the City of London Law Society, where he oversees 20 specialist committees engaging with government, regulators, and business on law reform and regulation. He is also the author of Privilege, a leading text on legal professional privilege in England and Wales.
Colin was nominated for the award for his work in shaping the modern understanding of privilege through his scholarship, and for his leadership in firm-level and sector-wide approaches to diversity, social mobility, and responsible business – including initiatives to support access to the profession and the next generation of lawyers.
Colin Passmore said: “I am really proud to receive this award. It has been a privilege to contribute to the profession and to work alongside so many talented colleagues over the years. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to help shape the law and to support the next generation of lawyers.”
Emily Monastiriotis, Global Managing Partner, commented: “Colin has had a remarkable impact on the legal profession over many years, including through his significant contribution to Simmons & Simmons, notably his dedication to developing people from which I also benefitted. On behalf of the entire firm, I warmly congratulate Colin on this well-deserved honour.”
Julian Taylor, Senior Partner, added: “In his long and distinguished career, Colin has made an enormous contribution to the law, the practice of law, and the broader industry. This is tremendously well-deserved recognition.”