Spencer West LLP announces exciting expansion plans for 2020
City of London law firm Spencer West LLP has expanded over the last 15 months from being a boutique 3 partner firm to now having around 20 partners.
Review of 2019
The firm has attracted an array of talent with lawyers from many leading City firms, from DLA and Simmons & Simmons to Morgan Lewis and Addleshaw Goddard.
The last year has seen the firm expanding its core employment and immigration practice. Simeon Spencer, an employment specialist from Morgan Lewis and co-founder of the firm, was joined by former DLA and Averta partner, Anne Mannix; and more recently by Fudia Smartt, ex Russell Cooke. Leading light Samar Shams, who had practised at Lewis Silkin, spearheads the executive immigration group in the firm.
The infrastructure, projects and construction practice has also expanded considerably. Antoine West, co-founder (trained at Linklaters, formerly partner at HFW) handles construction disputes, and is joined by Justine Brazil (group counsel at Wilmott Dixon, formerly solicitor at Eversheds), Elizabeth Vago (infrastructure and projects lawyer, previously at Addleshaw Goddard and who had worked in-house for renewable energy companies); Frances Igweh, projects lawyer who had practised at Clyde & Co and Essex Court Chambers; and Nigel Croxford, construction and disputes expert with many years’ industry experience.
Our Year ahead
We are looking with excitement at 2020. We have two areas that we are particularly focusing on in terms of expansion.
Real estate
We are seeing an increase in real estate transactions reflected in an increase in the size and breadth of our team. Andrew Gilbert, real estate transaction and disputes lawyer, has been joined by James Brenan, leasehold specialist – both from leading West End firms – and more recently by Joanne Cummings, commercial real estate lawyer who had worked at Charles Russell Speechly and also lectures part time in law. We are looking to add to our existing strong capability with further expertise in real estate development and financing.
Corporate and technology
Corporate and technology are core practices of the firm: a major part of Simeon Spencer’s practice is for growing technology companies. The firm’s corporate and technology practice is supported by Andrew Bird, who had been at Simmons & Simmons for many years, Paolo Caldato, a disputes lawyer with technology expertise; and Philip Solomons, who had worked at Frere Cholmely as well as in-house for technology and media companies.
“ We are thriving as a firm as we are flexible and meet the needs of our clients with high calibre partners. We give an outstanding level of assistance at affordable rates” said the firm’s Managing Partner, Antoine West.
“The values of our firm are of paramount importance. Technical excellence, business acumen and a collaborative approach, these all define a Spencer West lawyer. Our colleagues are able to draw on the support and expertise from colleagues across the firm, which is great for clients and makes it a brilliant place to work.”
Senior Partner, Simeon Spencer, added “We are absolutely delighted to be able to attract such talented lawyers to our growing firm. We offer what we consider to be a unique opportunity and package for partners joining us, ensuring they receive the full reward for their excellence and hard work.”
Spencer West was established three years ago when Antoine West merged his commercial and construction practice into Simeon Spencer’s commercial and employment firm. The firm has grown considerably yet stays true to its values.
With further potential partners already at advanced stages of discussions in corporate, employment and commercial property, Spencer West is on target to reach its next phase of expansion.
Ends
******
For more details or information please call Antoine West, Managing Partner: 07884 065124 or email [email protected]
End