International law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired banking specialist Diane Richardson as partner in its Bristol office.

Joining Simmons after 17 years at the London office of another global law firm, Diane brings a wide range of expertise as a global loans and real estate finance lawyer, with a strong track record executing complex, high value, cross-border financings.

Her experience includes supporting financings for clients in the financial institutions (FI) and asset management and investment funds (AMIF) sectors, and she has considerable expertise in real estate finance, as well as restructuring.

Diane’s hire will enhance Simmons’ banking offering in Bristol, where she will act as the lead partner for the practice in the office, with a mandate to expand her team.

As part of the firm’s UK Banking Group, Diane will work closely with Simmons’ 14 banking partners in London, as well as its international network. The practice is in growth mode, with Diane’s hire following shortly after the addition of experienced partner Laurie Keel into the London Banking team earlier this year.

Commenting on her hire, Diane Richardson said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Simmons as partner and banking lead in its Bristol office – an integral part of the firm’s offering. I’m excited to bring my expertise as a global loans and real estate finance lawyer, and look forward to further developing the team here, whilst collaborating across our global network to respond to the growing demand for our services.”

Helen Hagan, head of the firm’s UK Banking Group, said: “Diane is a technically excellent, highly versatile lawyer who will act as the focal point in Bristol for our growing team. Her experience working on cross-border financings will be a great asset, and as partner, she will support the efforts of the UK Banking Group to further expand its reach and win more mandates for complex financing transactions.”

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.