International law firm Simmons & Simmons has made two major leadership appointments to the firm, hiring Emma Williams as General Counsel (GC) and Partner, and Andy Peat as Chief Client Officer (CCO) and Partner.
A former litigator, Emma brings over 15 years of specialism in professional ethics, risk and compliance, anti-money laundering and data privacy in law firms. Emma joins the firm from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where she served as Director of Risk & Compliance, Global Head of AML and MLRO in the firm’s General Counsel Office.
Emma takes over the role of General Counsel at the firm from Ian Hammond, who held the role since 2023. Ian will retire from the firm after a career at Simmons & Simmons spanning nearly four decades.
Andy Peat is a highly experienced Marketing and Business Development leader in law firms, and will join the firm from DLA Piper, where he is International Marketing & Business Development Director. Prior to this, he held BD leadership positions at Pinsent Masons. Andy will join Simmons & Simmons in July.
Emily Monastiriotis commented: “Emma and Andy are excellent additions to our leadership team, and I’m very pleased to have secured two such high calibre individuals to these critically important roles. Their appointments come at a time of great opportunity in the legal profession and as we have launched our new, five year Business Plan, centred on becoming a leading AI-enabled law firm and delivering exceptional value and strategic advice for clients.
I would also like to thank Ian Hammond for his outstanding contribution to Simmons & Simmons.”
Emma Williams added: “I’m excited to be joining Simmons & Simmons at such a pivotal moment for the firm. With increasing regulatory complexity and evolving client expectations, the role of law firm General Counsel has never been more important. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm and building on the strong foundations laid by Ian.”