International law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired corporate trust and structured finance specialist Hannah Ward as partner in its financial markets (FM) practice.

Joining from the London office of a US law firm, following significant inhouse experience at general counsel level, Hannah brings extensive expertise to the firm advising corporate trust and agency clients on complex, multi-jurisdictional finance transactions, as well as related restructurings, defaults, litigation and special situations.

Hannah joins the firm’s existing corporate trust and agency team – expanding its global offering supporting third party trustees and agents in their roles overseeing major transactions. Operating across multiple jurisdictions, Hannah is fluent in a number of languages, including English, French, German and Italian.

Michael Lorraine, head of Simmons’ UK structured finance and derivatives (SFD) group, said: “With a wide range of technical expertise and enduring client relationships, securing Hannah as partner will bring significant strength and depth to our existing corporate trust and agency practice. She brings a strong collaborative and global outlook, which makes her a fantastic fit for the firm. I’m looking forward to working closely with Hannah to further expand our financial markets offering.”

On joining Simmons, Hannah Ward commented: “I’m very pleased to have joined Simmons and its established corporate trust and agency practice. I’m excited to bring my unique mix of private practice and in-house experience to the firm, along with relationships with some of the world’s leading businesses – focused on the corporate trust space. The reputation of Simmons’ wider financial markets group and the firm’s extensive global network will be a great boost to my practice.”