International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced Stefano Lava will be joining the firm’s employment practice in Milan as partner.

Stefano Lava joins from Osborne Clarke where he was head of employment and labour for Italy. Cristina del Pezzo di Caianello will be joining the firm as well as supervising associate.

The hire is of strategic importance for the firm and the employment practice offering in Italy, which now consist of two Partners, one Of Counsel and a total of eight legal professionals.

Stefano’s has gained considerable experience in dealing with both Italian and international clients and he will add further depth and scale to the practice which will allow the firm to take on the challenges that the employment sector is facing, both now as well as in the future.

Davide Sportelli, Head of Employment in Italy, said: 'We are excited about Stefano's arrival. A new partner joining marks an important step for the strengthening and growth of the employment law practice, which now has an offering that few international firms in Italy can.

On joining Simmons, Stefano commented: I am delighted to join Simmons and to mark an important step in the growth of the firm, by expanding and consolidating the offer to our Italian and international clients.