International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced that life sciences specialist Machteld Hiemstra has joined its dispute resolution practice in Amsterdam.

Machteld brings 25 years of experience in health and life sciences (HLS) regulatory and for product liability matters, with a high-profile client following and significant expertise across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biotechnology. Joining as a partner from Pinsent Masons LLP, Machteld previously worked for Simmons for eight years prior to this as a principal counsellor.

The arrival of Machteld broadens Simmons’s HLS offering in Amsterdam, bringing the firm’s Dutch presence more into line with its larger practices in the UK, Germany, Belgium and France. The expansion comes as a response to increased demand for HLS capabilities, both in The Netherlands and internationally.

Bas Berghuis van Woortman, partner and head of the firm’s intellectual property (IP) practice in The Netherlands, said: “Bringing such a highly-regarded, experienced partner into our Amsterdam operation is a great boost for our dispute resolution practice. Machteld commands some of the biggest HLS clients around, and joins Simmons with a strong understanding of the firm and our ambitions for the sector.”

On joining Simmons, Machteld commented: “I am pleased to be joining as a partner at a time of growing demand for specialist advice from HLS businesses. Simmons’s dedicated sector approach is widely recognised in The Netherlands, and I’m looking forward to applying my legal expertise and sector knowledge to help consolidate this reputation domestically, whilst taking advantage of emerging cross-border opportunities.”