Simpson Thacher Expands Boston Office with Strategic Partner Hires.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has significantly enhanced its Boston office by recruiting two distinguished partners from Cooley and Ropes & Gray. This strategic expansion aims to bolster the firm's capabilities in government and internal investigations, as well as private funds, reinforcing its commitment to serving clients in the Boston area.
New Partners Join Simpson Thacher's Boston Office
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Zachary Hafer has joined the firm's Government and Internal Investigations Practice from Cooley, becoming the first litigation partner in Boston. Hafer brings extensive experience representing companies, boards, and individuals in internal and government investigations, including matters related to the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the CARES Act, and related Securities and Exchange Commission issues.
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Yonatan Levy has joined the Private Funds Practice from Ropes & Gray. With over a decade of experience, Levy advises fund sponsors on the formation, fundraising, and operation of private investment funds across various strategies, including growth and buyout funds, credit, energy, and co-investment funds. He also provides counsel on asset management-related transactions, such as structured secondary transactions, recapitalization transactions, management transitions, sponsor restructurings, and spin-offs of investment teams from larger organizations.
These additions bring the firm's partner count in Boston to seven, following the office's opening in September 2024. The Boston office is led by co-managing partners David Blass and Joshua Ford Bonnie, who practice across funds regulatory and capital markets, respectively, and are also based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office.
Simpson Thacher's Commitment to Boston
Alden Millard, chair of Simpson Thacher's executive committee, stated, "These additions underscore our commitment to Boston and will enhance our capabilities to address clients’ transactional, regulatory, enforcement, and disputes needs in the region." The firm's Boston office aims to provide coordinated counsel to clients across several industries, including asset management and other financial institutions, healthcare, biotechnology, life sciences, and technology.
Recent Developments in Simpson Thacher's Expansion
In addition to the recent partner hires, Simpson Thacher has been actively expanding its presence in Boston. The firm opened its Boston office in September 2024, initially staffed by registered funds partner Kenneth Burdon from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and registered funds partner Nathan Somogie, who relocated from the firm's New York office.
The Boston legal market has experienced significant growth, with several law firms establishing a presence in the city. Simpson Thacher's expansion aligns with this trend, as the city solidifies its position as a hub for technology, life sciences, and financial services.
About Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Founded in 1884, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is a leading international law firm with a diverse practice that includes corporate, litigation, and regulatory services. The firm has a strong history of advising clients on complex legal matters and has expanded its global footprint to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
