The special counsel is set to join the firm’s partnership
Simpson Grierson has brought in a commercial law specialist who has returned to New Zealand from the UK.
Catherine Shirley-Brown joined the firm as special counsel last week and is set to join the partnership upon completing New Zealand Law Society requirements.
She joined the firm’s commercial law team in Wellington, bringing to the team her extensive experience in advising businesses from a wide range of sectors and a focus on cross-border M&A and transactions involving sponsors.
Shirley-Brown is a former London associate of elite US firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. In the past six years, she was a partner at legacy Berwin Leighton Paisner, which became the global firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in April after a trans-Atlantic merger.
“Cath is a fantastic addition to our Wellington office, and adds to the depth of expertise we have in acting for clients on M&A, private equity, and general corporate and commercial transactions,” said Anne Callinan, Simpson Grierson chairwoman.
The new special counsel said she is excited to be back in New Zealand and join another leading firm. “The strength of Simpson Grierson’s work in the commercial sector and their strong culture made joining an easy decision,” she said.
In July, Simpson Grierson appointed Paula Williams as its new human resources director. She moved to the firm from Air New Zealand, where she was a senior executive. In June, the firm recruited former Transpower deputy general counsel Chris Browne, appointing him as special counsel.
Catherine Shirley-Brown
