International law firm Simmons & Simmons has strengthened its insurance practice through the hire of Jonathan Thorpe as a partner.

Jonathan brings extensive legal and insurance business experience to the firm, including eight years as head of claims and legal counsel for several managing agencies for Lloyd’s of London – the world’s largest insurance market. Prior to this, he was a partner in the insurance and reinsurance group at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP.

Jonathan’s significant expertise adds to Simmons’s expanding insurance offer, through his focus on complex coverage matters including across a number of rapidly growing insurance areas, such as cyber, warranty and indemnity, political risks and trade credit.

James Pollock, Head of the firm’s international Insurance and Construction group in London, commented: Jonathan is an excellent addition to the firm, and brings to our growing practice a strong reputation and deep technical expertise in insurance including in a number of emerging areas of insurance. His arrival will support the continued expansion of Simmons’s presence in this area, allowing the firm to offer highly specialised, cross-border advice to a complex and evolving insurance market.”

On joining Simmons, Jonathan commented: “Simmons has ambitions to accelerate the growth of its insurance offering, and I am confident that my extensive experience and expertise will ensure that the firm is in a strong position to capitalise on the new opportunities arising in insurance markets.”