New commercial disputes hire to strengthen our expertise in the Midlands and beyond

He joins from Squire Patton Boggs and is a high-profile commercial disputes lawyer with an expertise in complex commercial litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution.  

Simon will continue to maintain and grow commercial disputes in Birmingham following the retirement of Steve Allen, partner and a leader in dispute resolution in the region. Simon will continue to deliver outstanding services to our clients. 

His key focus will be on cross-border disputes, manufacturing, supply chain and product liability issues, particularly in the aerospace, automotive and industrial products sectors. He has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution and has represented commercial and government clients in a significant number of successful mediations. 

Jayne Hussey, partner and head of the Birmingham office, said: “We’re so pleased to welcome Simon to Mills & Reeve. Simon’s breadth of knowledge and experience will be vital in helping the businesses we advise navigate a range of challenges effectively and provide expert support on any disputes which these businesses may face.” 

Simon commented: “I’m thrilled to lead the Mills & Reeve commercial disputes team in Birmingham. It’s a very exciting time to be joining with significant ongoing investment taking place in the business and the opportunity to deliver on the firm's 2025 strategy. Mills & Reeve has a fantastic client base, quality work, brand reputation, and truly collegiate culture, firmly focused on client experience, delivery, and its own people.  

“I expect to rapidly build on the excellent platform that already exists, to complement the firm’s significant influence in Birmingham, the wider Midlands market and beyond, both nationally and globally. We expect more companies will need dispute resolution support given current macroeconomic conditions and increasingly complex problems. I’m confident the team are well-equipped to provide first class client service, innovative solutions, and value for money in helping clients navigate these complexities effectively.” 

Duncan Astill, partner and head of regulatory, public and commercial disputes at Mills & Reeve, added: “Simon has an excellent reputation and proven leadership skills. He’ll help grow the team’s resources in the wider legal market while also retaining existing client relationships. It’s a pleasure to have him onboard.”