Simmons & Simmons advises on all aspects of employment law, with particular strength in the financial sector, frequently assisting banks and multinational corporations. The team handles contentious matters such as unfair dismissal, agency disputes, and non-compete enforcement. Davide Sportelli is the head of the Milan employment group, while Stefano Lava brings ‘exceptional legal expertise,’ specialising in human resources management and employment issues arising from reorganisations and performance-related terminations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I have worked with this firm for many years and have never felt the need to look elsewhere. Led by Davide Sportelli, the team is diverse. Their helpfulness, combined with their deep understanding of the legal context, the labour market, and their great creativity, makes the Simmons & Simmons team essential to our work.’
- ‘All of the members in Davide Sportelli's team share two key traits: problem-solving skills and a positive outlook. I have yet to encounter a situation in which they simply acknowledged something without trying to change it by finding more favourable conditions for us.'
- ‘The Milan employment team offers a valuable integration of international expertise with a profound understanding of the local landscape. The team is pragmatic, commercially minded, and has a strategic approach. They offer practical advice, a good understanding of corporate environments, clarity in outlining strategic direction, and robust negotiation skills.'
- ‘Expertise in retail, fashion, and luxury field. Proactivity in the most relevant and urgent fields.'
- ‘Commercial, responsive, and knowledgeable about our sector.'
- ‘Davide Sportelli is our go-to lawyer- we really like him, and he provides a very good service. He is commercial and practical, comes up with sensible solutions, works for other clients in our sector, so understands the market.'
Key clients
- Giorgio Armani S.p.A
- Giorgio Armani Retail S.r.l
- Giorgio Armani Operations
- Decathlon Italia Srl
- LVMH Italia S.p.A
- Sephora Italia S.r.l
- Louis Vuitton Italia S.r.l
- Celine Italia S.r.l
- LVMH Profumi e Cosmetici Italia S.r.l
- Acqua di Parma S.r.l
- JW Anderson
- Mizuho Bank
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Davide Sportelli
Other key lawyers
Stefano Lava