Simmons delays partner round to set out new three-year plan

The law firm has delayed its vote on partner promotions from April until June in order to focus on developing a fresh three-year business plan.

Partners met in London last month to hear managing partner Mark Dawkins (pictured) outline the firm's plans, which are set to go to a partner vote by the end of April.

The proposals, which are still in the early stages, are not expected to lead to significant changes in client sector focus or practice focus, with corporate remaining a key investment priority.

International expansion is expected to form a central plank in the plans, with Simmons putting heavy emphasis on Asia. The firm is already in the advanced stages of preparing a launch in Beijing and is also considering an Indian referral alliance. Strengthening Germany is also a priority for the firm.

Simmons' last three-year plan was outlined in 2005 and resulted in the firm cutting its target sectors from eight to four.

Dawkins told Legal Week: "A key theme in our planning discussion is to ensure that we respond effectively to this changing world and that our business continues to grow stronger. We have no intention of hunkering down and keeping our fingers crossed."

Simmons' decision comes as promotions are down across the City. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, the first magic circle firm to announce its promotions, made up 14 new partners this year - significantly down on last year's tally of 25. Slaughter and May last week announced that it was making up just two partners, down from four in 2008.

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