International law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired Karen Lam as a partner and head of its Hong Kong securitisation and derivatives practice China from Magic Circle firm Linklaters, where she spent the entirety of her two-decade-long career.

Lam, who was a partner at Linklaters from 2019 to 2024, has expertise in advising banks, originators, issuers, and investors on securitisations, structured notes, and derivatives. She has been involved in landmark initiatives such as Stock Connect and Bond Connect, working with key market players, including the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation and Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited.

"Karen's exceptional knowledge and strong connections with market participants will greatly enhance our ability to provide unparalleled service to clients across the Asia Pacific and Greater China," said Jason Valoti, partner at Simmons' Financial Markets group in Singapore, in a statement.

Lam’s hire is the latest in a series of strategic additions for Simmons’ Hong Kong office, which has included appointing former Freshfields counsel Kenneth Hui as its Hong Kong regulatory head; adding Richard Li, former chief legal officer at American biotech company I-Mab, as partner; and welcoming Jeffrey Friedenberg from alternative investment company Angelo Gordon as the head of its private funds practice in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong office now has 39 lawyers, including 12 partners.