McGuireWoods LLP announced today it has continued its expansion of its New York office with the addition of litigator Michael Simes, who has joined the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Department as a partner.

Simes, who previously served as a partner in the New York office of Mayer Brown, will focus his practice on financial services litigation, including bankruptcy and securities litigation and internal investigations, as well as government and regulatory enforcement actions. His hire follows the addition of Laurent Wiesel, who joined the firm’s litigation department as a partner in October. 

“We are delighted that Michael has decided to join McGuireWoods,” said Peter Covington, vice chairman of McGuireWoods. “Financial services litigation is a key area of growth for our firm and his experience will undoubtedly strengthen the services we offer our clients, not just here in New York, but across the country as well.” 

Notably, Simes has served as lead litigation counsel in preparation for one of the largest constructive fraud actions at that time in U.S. history, and has represented various companies, financial institutions, accounting firms and individuals in connection with some of the largest litigation matters and investigations over the past decade. He earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan, from which he graduated cum laude in 2000. 

“In this changing legal landscape, I’ve found that my clients are looking for creative solutions from lawyers who know their business as well as they do. They want lawyers who respond quickly and anticipate their needs and get them great results without unnecessarily damaging their bottom line. They expect nothing less,” said Simes. “With the global platform we offer at McGuireWoods, and the growing financial services practice here in New York, I look forward to working with my partners to deliver high-quality, cost-effective service that gets my clients where they need to go.”