Sheppard Mullin has hired longtime Simmons & Simmons private equity partner Gideon Sharp.
Sharp joins the US firm after more than 28 years at Simmons where he spent his whole career and over a decade as co-head of the firm’s international PE practice.
He will serve as a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s corporate practice and also as managing partner of the firm’s London office.
The move gives Sheppard Mullin a senior private equity dealmaker with extensive experience advising sponsors on mid-market and large-cap transactions, joint ventures and cross-border M&A.
Buildout plans
The Los Angeles-headquartered firm opened in London in 2011, with the office serving as its European hub. Sheppard Mullin is among the top 50 US law firms by revenue, generating around $1.4 billion in 2025, according to The American Lawyer.
According to the firm’s website, the office currently has four partners, including Sharp whose comments suggest further expansion could follow.
“I am excited to lead Sheppard’s London office at such a dynamic time for the firm,” Sharp said.
“I am looking forward to building a high-calibre team and expanding my working relationships among Sheppard lawyers to deliver exceptional service on both UK-led and cross-border matters.”
Sheppard Mullin has been growing its transactional capabilities globally. The firm said it has added more than 150 corporate, private equity and tax lawyers over the past four years.
Firm chair Luca Salvi said Sharp’s arrival reflected growing client demand for cross-border private equity and M&A advice.
“His arrival reinforces the growing demand of our most sophisticated clients for support on their cross-border matters,” he said.