Simmons & Simmons signs new partner for insurance team

Simmons & Simmons has hired Olivia Delagrange as new partner for its dispute resolution and insurance practice.

Olivia will bring to Simmons’ Madrid office an advanced knowledge of the insurance sector, having worked with companies for two decades in a variety of sectors, including property, construction, energy, product liability, financial lines, maritime and aviation. Joining Simmons from Kennedys Law LLP, she benefits from a triple qualification covering Spain, England and Wales, and Belgium.

Olivia’s arrival as a partner at Simmons will enable the firm to expand its insurance practice in Spain, which offers one of the largest insurance legal markets in the world. She also contributes to Simmons’ growing international insurance offering, with her arrival following the hire of Jonathan Thorpe as a partner in April in the firm’s London office.

James Pollock, head of the firm’s international insurance and construction group in London, said, “We are delighted to have hired Olivia as a partner. Very few in the industry can match her combination of highly specialized advice, strong client reputation and impressive commercial acumen.” The firm’s growing international insurance practice will benefit from Olivia’s ability to generate business in multiple markets.”

Eduardo Peñacoba, Partner and Country Head (Spain), commented, “This latest addition of a partner is in line with the firm’s ambition to develop our insurance capabilities in Spain, which will help meet the demands of an expanding market. Olivia is very knowledgeable about the industry and will be a great asset to our Madrid office as we seek to expand our client base.”

On joining Simmons, Olivia commented, “Simmons is in a great position to exploit the growing opportunities in the legal insurance markets, both in Spain and internationally. There is a growing demand in today’s market for highly specialized legal advice, and I am confident that my industry experience and client base will enable the firm to strengthen its existing insurance offering.”