A former senior partner at international firm Simmons & Simmons will lead one of the largest local law societies in the UK.

City of London Law Society, which represents a fifth of the 30,000 solicitors practising in the ‘Square Mile’, today announced Colin Passmore as its new chair.

Passmore was senior partner at Simmons & Simmons for a decade until July 2021 and is now the firm’s client development partner. He takes over from Edward Sparrow, who stepped down from the role after six years at the end of last year.

Colin Passsmore

Passmore's appointment as chair comes at a time of 'significant evolution'

Source: Michael Cross

Passmore said: ‘I am pleased to have this opportunity to help represent the profession of which I have been a proud member for more than 35 years. The business of law in the City goes from strength to strength, despite prevailing economic and legislative challenges. The CLLS and its specialist committees will be vocal in convening and conveying the views of the sector, as well as providing advice to the government, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.’

CLLS said Passmore’s appointment comes at a time of ‘significant evolution’ for the profession.

‘In the context of recent debates around the Bill of Rights Bill and the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, it is vital that the UK maintains its international reputation as a jurisdiction of choice for business. All members of the CLLS play a critical role in driving the UK economy, a position that City law is determined to maintain in the face of challenging economic headwinds,’ the society said.

Sparrow, former head of litigation at Ashurst, said it had been a privilege to act as CLLS chair ‘and to have met so many interesting and impressive people’.