Sarah James is a Partner and the Global Head of Adaptive at Simmons & Simmons. Since joining the firm in 2016, Sarah has been at the forefront of leading the strategy and growth of Adaptive, our firm’s highly successful flexible legal resource business launched in 2014. This innovative model has been pivotal in responding to the shifting legal landscape, providing clients with access to technically excellent, first-rate lawyers for defined contract assignments and project support.
Sarah is recognised as a subject matter expert on legal talent and is passionate about the future of work, particularly at the intersection of technology and people. Her leadership is characterised by a commitment to delivering smarter solutions for clients and re-imagining how legal talent is engaged.
Under her leadership, Adaptive has grown into a global, award-winning success, spanning the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. Sarah works as a trusted advisor to some of the firm's most respected clients and alongside her team, offering flexible career opportunities to ambitious individuals who wish to work differently. She is dedicated to shaping the future of work by innovating, solving talent challenges and delivering global talent solutions in the legal sector.
Sarah is also a proud sponsor and mentor to two apprentices and actively involved in the firms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programmes. She serves as a partner sponsor of the alumni programme and a mentor further demonstrating her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
