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Simkins—Juliane Althoff, Helena Franklin & Jessica Welch

02 April 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Media and commercial law firm announces trio of partner promotions

Leading media and commercial law firm Simkins LLP is delighted to announce the promotions of Juliane Althoff, Helena Franklin and Jessica Welch to partner.

Juliane Althoff’s (pictured, right) practice covers all areas of the film and television industry. Having trained with the firm and earning valuable in-house experience during secondments at Lionsgate, The Blair Partnership and Pottermore Publishing, she has developed trusted client relationships and in-depth and practical industry knowledge.

Speaking on her promotion, Juliane commented, 'This milestone is a testament to the incredible team I have had the privilege of working with and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that partnership will offer. I look forward to contributing to Simkins’ ongoing success and growth and continuing to provide my clients – both old and new – with the best possible service.'

Helena Franklin (centre) joined Simkins as a junior commercial lawyer and has since become an integral part of the firm’s Commercial offering. She has developed encyclopaedic knowledge of the advertising and marketing industry and provides specialist advice to businesses operating within the space about the constantly evolving regulatory and technical environment.

Helena commented, 'The team at Simkins has shown me unwavering support since I joined the firm in 2017. I am looking forward to continuing to work amongst brilliant colleagues at the top of their respective fields.'

Jessica Welch (left) has become a highly respected member of Simkins’ Disputes team. She is known for her broad practice, which spans defamation/privacy, copyright, and general commercial litigation. Since joining Simkins, she has worked on cases in the Copyright Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Jessica was a key member of the team representing Sir Cliff Richard in his landmark privacy action against the BBC and South Yorkshire Police.

On her promotion, Jessica commented, 'I am thrilled to have been appointed to the Partnership at Simkins, having started my legal career here as a trainee in 2013. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to forge such an exciting practice amongst incredible clients and colleagues, and I am very grateful to them for their continued encouragement and support. I look forward to growing with the firm as a Partner and am excited for what the future might hold.'

Managing partner Euan Lawson said, 'Many congratulations to our newly appointed Partners. They have all demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, commitment to clients, and have embodied the values of the firm – they are great Simkins success stories. We welcome them into the partnership and wish them yet further successes as they venture into the next stage of their careers.'

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Firm grows private wealth practice with transatlantic hire

Michelmores—Jennifer Morrissey

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Financial services and securities litigation specialist joins as partner in London

Shakespeare Martineau—David Smithen

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South West land team bolstered by real estate partner hire in Bristol

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