Simpson Thacher boosts private credit bench with Macfarlanes funds hire

Simpson Thacher has hired Macfarlanes partner Sam Brooks, adding more depth to one of the City’s top funds practices.

Brooks, who spent 12 years at Macfarlanes and became a partner in 2018, is recognised for his work across hedge and credit funds. Writing on LinkedIn, he said he will be focusing on the European private credit sector - a market that has surged in recent years as private capital giants expand their direct lending platforms.

Private credit push

The move comes as Simpson Thacher steps up its European investment funds strategy. In April, the firm opened a funds-focused office in Luxembourg with a trio of lateral partners from A&O Shearman and Clifford Chance, cementing its presence in one of Europe’s key private capital hubs. In London, it also added secondaries partner Joanne Mak from Kirkland over the summer.

Simpson Thacher already has one of the City's top-ranked funds teams. According to markets data platform Preqin, the firm has advised on the formation of more $10 billion-plus funds than any other firm.

What they said

Gareth Earl, head of Simpson Thacher’s European funds practice, said: "As the private credit asset class continues to grow and mature globally, Sam’s deep knowledge and expertise of structuring and raising European private credit funds will be an asset to the firm."

European managing partner Wheatly MacNamara added: "The addition of Sam, combined with the launch of our Luxembourg funds-focused office earlier this year, demonstrates Simpson Thacher’s commitment to supporting its global client base by providing top-tier legal services across the region."