Shoosmiths appoints Simon Levine as strategic board adviser to help shape the law firm of the future

Shoosmiths is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Levine as strategic adviser to its Board. Simon is one of the legal industry’s most experienced and forward-thinking leaders, bringing a track record of innovation, international growth, and transformative leadership at the highest level.

His decision to work with the leadership team of Shoosmiths reflects a shared conviction that the legal profession is undergoing fundamental change, and that Shoosmiths is extremely well placed to define what comes next.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said:

“The legal sector is changing rapidly and will continue to do so over the next decade. Innovation, technology and the ability to offer new kinds of products and services, will play a central role in client demands. Shoosmiths is a firm with the ambition, an innovative mindset and the capability to build something truly different to deliver for clients in a more technologically enabled legal services world. It hasn’t yet made its move globally, which means it has the space to build something better suited to what clients will require over the next decade. That creates a rare opportunity: to build an international innovation led law firm designed for the world we’re moving into, not the one we’re leaving behind.”

“What also drew me here was the culture. There’s a real energy and openness to new ideas, a belief in doing things differently, and a clarity of purpose that runs through the firm. Shoosmiths is already delivering for clients at the highest level, and it’s now poised to take that success onto a bigger stage.”

Simon’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in Shoosmiths’ journey. Under its 2030 strategy, the firm is pursuing a bold and focused growth agenda, anchored in three key practice pillars (Corporate, Real Estate, and Litigation) and five core sectors (Technology, Financial Services, Mobility, Living, and Energy & Infrastructure). This sharp strategic focus is delivering tangible results, with Shoosmiths achieving record financial performance and continuing to win high-stakes mandates in its chosen markets.

At the heart of the strategy is a belief that success will come from a laser focus on the areas where the firm can deliver genuine, differentiated value for its clients, and scaling those capabilities across the UK and internationally.

Shoosmiths CEO, David Jackson, said:

“Simon is one of the most respected leaders in the legal industry. His decision to partner with us speaks volumes about where Shoosmiths is headed and the kind of firm we want to be. He brings incredible insight, global perspective, and a deep commitment to building something meaningful and different.”

“We’re building for the future. That means bold thinking about how law firms operate, how we continue to offer exceptional service and value to clients, how technology like AI will reshape our work, and ultimately what clients will expect next. Simon’s experience and values make him the ideal adviser to join our Board as we navigate that future with intent and imagination.”

Shoosmiths Chair, Kirsten Hewson, said:

“Simon’s appointment is a hugely exciting moment for the firm. He brings not only deep global experience, but a forward-looking mindset that aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. His perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow, evolve, and challenge ourselves to think differently about what a modern, ambitious law firm can achieve.”

Simon will work closely with Shoosmiths’ Board and executive team in an advisory capacity to shape the firm’s international growth, drive further innovation, and support firmwide transformation in line with its 2030 ambitions.