Simkins LLP

Leading media and commercial law firm Simkins LLP is delighted to announce the promotions of Juliane Althoff, Helena Franklin and Jessica Welch to Partner. Juliane Althoff’s practice covers all areas of the film and television industry. Having trained with the firm and earning valuable in-house experience during secondments at Lionsgate, The Blair Partnership and Pottermore Publishing, she has developed trusted client relationships and in-depth and practical industry knowledge. Speaking on her promotion, Juliane commented: “This milestone is a testament to the incredible team I have had the privilege of working with and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that partnership will offer. I look forward to contributing to Simkins’ ongoing success and growth and continuing to provide my clients – both old and new – with the best possible service.” Helena Franklin joined Simkins as a junior commercial lawyer and has since become an integral part of the firm’s Commercial offering. She has developed encyclopaedic knowledge of the advertising and marketing industry and provides specialist advice to businesses operating within the space about the constantly evolving regulatory and technical environment. Helena commented: “The team at Simkins has shown me unwavering support since I joined the firm in 2017. I am looking forward to continuing to work amongst brilliant colleagues at the top of their respective fields.” Jessica Welch has become a highly respected member of Simkins’ Disputes team. She is known for her broad practice, which spans defamation/privacy, copyright, and general commercial litigation. Since joining Simkins, she has worked on cases in the Copyright Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Jessica was a key member of the team representing Sir Cliff Richard in his landmark privacy action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police. On her promotion, Jessica commented, “I am thrilled to have been appointed to the Partnership at Simkins, having started my legal career here as a trainee in 2013. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to forge such an exciting practice amongst incredible clients and colleagues, and I am very grateful to them for their continued encouragement and support. I look forward to growing with the firm as a Partner and am excited for what the future might hold.” Managing Partner Euan Lawson said, “Many congratulations to our newly appointed Partners. They have all demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, commitment to clients, and have embodied the values of the firm – they are great Simkins success stories. We welcome them into the partnership and wish them yet further successes as they venture into the next stage of their careers.” Read more about Simkins LLP here.

Simkins LLP is delighted to announce the promotion of Oliver Sharp to Partner and Kim Walker to Legal Director. Oliver Sharp leads the firm’s Private Client practice. He brings significant expertise and experience in estate planning and succession, advising clients on the drafting of wills and lasting powers of attorney, as well as the administration of estates.   Speaking on his promotion, Oliver said, “I am delighted to be joining the partnership at Simkins and am grateful to my colleagues for their support and trust. I look forward to continuing to develop the firm’s Private Client practice and further strengthening the high‑quality advice we provide to our clients.”   Kim Walker joined Simkins in 2021, having qualified as a property lawyer in 2006. Since joining the firm, she has become a key member of the Property team, recognised for her extensive knowledge of the property industry. She has significant expertise in real estate investment and advises on the sale and purchase of a diverse range of properties.   Kim commented, “I am grateful for this opportunity and the support that I have received. The firm has built a strong and well‑respected Property practice, and I look forward to contributing further to its development as we help clients navigate an increasingly diverse range of property transactions.”   Managing Partner Euan Lawson said, “Many congratulations to Oliver and Kim on their promotions. They have consistently demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and dedication to their clients, while embodying Simkins’ values. We wish them both every success as they embark on the next stage of their careers.”   For more information, please contact Kirsten Rehbein, Business Development & Marketing Manager, at [email protected].